Our First ER Trip

I was sure that our first trip to the ER would be with one of the boys because they had broken a bone or split open their head by messing around or falling or doing something stupid.  But, alas, our first ER trip was with little Miss Talia.  Here's the story.

Saturday morning Talia slept in until 10:20.  This is not normal.  When she finally woke up she was warm.  I didn't take her temperature but I know she was running a low fever.  Probably 99 or 100.  I gave her some ibuprofen and she ate breakfast.  She seemed fine.  Played and was happy.  We had friends over for lunch and games in the afternoon.  She started getting whiny, but I attributed that to the fact that she hadn't had a nap.

We put her to bed a little early that night, but she seemed fine.  No runny nose, no coughing, no fever.  Ian and I curled up to watch a movie.  We heard someone crying and thought it might be Beckett, but the monitor was quiet.  It sounded weird.  It was Talia and she was crying and coughing.  Poor thing was warm and had raspy breathing.  I got her calmed down, gave her a drink of water and laid her back in bed.

Half an hour later she was awake again.  We snuggled on the floor of the bathroom while the shower ran to help with her cough, but she still was breathing with difficulty.  She was also definitely running a fever.  I was mostly concerned about her breathing.  I called the on call pediatrician.  She listened to her symptoms then heard her cough (since Tal was lying next to me on the bed).  The doctor recommended taking her to the ER since her cough sounded like croup and it would only get worse unless it was treated.

I took her to IMC, which is kind of far away, but I know they take our insurance.  It was a pretty quiet night in the ER.  We didn't wait long.  Talia was clingy and fussy whenever they wanted to do anything to her, like take her temperature or blood pressure.  She was running a fever of 102.7 and her heart rate was fast.  They got us checked into a room and the doctor ordered a dose of ibuprofen for the fever, a dose of steroids for the inflammation in her lungs, and a chest x-ray to make sure she didn't have pneumonia.  Then we hung out in bed while they monitored Tal's heart rate for a little while.  The chest x-ray was clear and her heart rate was holding steady at a slightly elevated but normal rate.

They diagnosed her with viral bronchiolitis (inflammation of the upper airways) and we left with a prescription for another dose of steroids and advice to take her out into the cold air if her cough got bad.  I am glad that she doesn't have pneumonia.  I am sad that we are going to have to pay who knows how much for the ER visit/chest x-ray.

We got home around 2:30am and went to bed.  It was a long, tired Sunday.  Talia seemed to feel ok during the day.  I was fully expecting her to be up coughing last night since this condition tends to worsen at night, but she slept all night long.  Hooray!  I really needed the rest.  Now we are just waiting it out and trying to keep her away from Beckett.  

Story Telling

The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is an annual tradition in Utah County.  We have never attended, but had heard of it.  Weston's elementary school participates by sending children from each grade level to the festival.  They have a day for any kids who choose to share a prepared story with their grade, then they send one of those kids to the festival to audition to present at the actual event.  

When I got the flyer about this I read through it and asked Weston if he wanted to participate.  He kind of shrugged and ran off to play.  I didn't push it.  A few weeks later when we went to his parent-teacher conference, Mrs. Peterson asked if Weston was planning on participating.  I told her he wasn't.  She said she thought he would do really well and enjoy it.  We decided we would talk to him about it again.  

That was on a Thursday evening and the day for him to present to his class was the next Tuesday.  That didn't leave him much time, but after explaining what he could do, he wanted to prepare a story.  He practiced and practiced.  I made him pictures to hold up with the story on the back since he really didn't have time to memorize it before the presentation.  Then on Tuesday morning he got up in front of the first grade morning classes and told the story of Little Bunny's Sleepless Night by Carol Roth.  He did an awesome job!  

There were 5 or 6 other kids who told stories too.  They all did really well.  Some kids had their story memorized, some read from the book, some had pictures like Weston, and one told a personal story rather than a book by someone else.  I don't know how many afternoon kids presented, and I haven't heard anything else about him moving on to the festival, but I'm really proud of him for putting in the effort and participating!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I know that true love is in the little things that happen all of the time, every day, but I still think it's ok to make extra efforts to let your loved ones know how you feel about them on a special holiday set aside for doing so.  Plus it's fun!  

This year was pretty low key.  I woke up this morning to flowers on the table along with some of my See's favorites and a sweet card from Ian.  I didn't do anything special for breakfast, just fed the kids and sent Weston off to school.  I did put a love note and a special heart brownie treat in his lunch.

The other kiddos had a slow morning.  We got a surprise little visit from Auntie Mel!  It was fun to get to see her today.  We went on an outing to the dinosaur museum.  We had the place to ourselves and Beckett and I enjoyed the maiden voyage of our new stroller.

Nothing says love like sugar!  I baked red velvet cupcakes and took some to the ladies I visit teach.  The kids took chocolate mold suckers to their neighbor friends.  We also decorated sugar cookies for FHE on Monday, but none of those made it out of the house.  I did share a few with Mel.  But only because she's family.  ;)

Ian ended up coming home a little early from work, so he had some time to hang out with the kids before dinner.  I set the table all fancy with a tablecloth and candles for our Valentine's dinner.  We had spaghetti and meatballs with salad, garlic toast, and Martinelli's.  It was delicious and the kids all loved eating by candlelight.

After dinner I handed out Valentines.  I got each of the kids a little box of chocolates and a See's heart.  They got the movie Peter Pan as a group Valentine gift from Ian and I.  We'll probably watch it tomorrow night.  Beckett didn't get any chocolate, but he did get a new little elephant toy which he seemed very pleased with.

I gave Ian a box of See's, a card, and a deck of cards that I like to call "You make stubble look good and 51 other reasons why I love you."  It was fun to think of all of the things I love about Ian.  He's such a great guy and I am so lucky to be his wife.

We had a little dance party in the living room before the kids had baths and went to bed.  Ian had to go back into work, so I ended the evening eating chocolate and catching up on Once Upon A Time.  That sounds kind of pathetic, but it wasn't so bad.

I had a lovely Valentine's Day.  I am so very thankful for my sweet little ones and my amazing, wonderful husband.  I felt so loved and was happy to serve and tell my family that I love them.  I just don't see how you can go wrong with a holiday that is all about treats and showing/receiving love.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

Getting Out

I finally feel like I am slowly back to feeling capable of getting out of the house with all of the kids again.  Definitely not to the store if I can avoid it, but I voluntarily took the kids out for lunch last week before Davin went to preschool at Corner Bakery.  It was actually really fun and gave me confidence that I will be back to my normal outing mommying soon enough.

It helps that Beckett can go 3-4 hours between feedings and that he will take a bottle while out and about.  This weekend we spent a lot of time out together as a family too.  We all went to dinner and Toys R Us on Friday night.  Weston spent the last of his birthday money on a couple more Skylanders and his first Chima Lego set.

Saturday Ian worked all day, but took a few hours off to go to the Planetarium with us.  We saw the new Flight of the Butterflies 3D movie about the migration of the monarchs.  It was really beautiful and fascinating.  I love our Planetarium pass!  We all got free popcorn, saw the movie for free, and explored the exhibits.  Great freebie outing!  I'm excited for future outings with my cuties and to start using all of our passes!

And a happy Beckett picture for good measure

Weston's Plans

Weston loves to make elaborate plans for things.  For example . . . a few weeks ago Weston told me about an idea he had of something to do together as a family.  He wanted to turn off all the lights, light candles, have hot chocolate and tell stories.  I thought it sounded like a fun idea and I told him he could plan it for FHE.  Other things came up for FHE the past few weeks and I felt horrible every time Weston asked if we could do his idea and I told him no or not yet.  I just couldn't put him off any longer.  

So this Monday I told him we would do it.  Unfortunately Ian was working late (February is a notoriously busy time at his job.  I think he has worked late at least half of the Valentine's Days since he has had this job).  Earlier that day Talia and I made the sacrifice of picking up some donuts to go with our hot chocolate.  Then after dinner and baths we turned off (most of) the lights, lit a candle, drank hot chocolate and ate donuts while we took turns reading our favorite scripture out loud and/or telling our favorite scripture story.

It was really fun!  Weston went first and read his favorite scripture, 1 Nephi 3:7, "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."  He said it was his favorite because he likes Nephi and thinks it is cool that he built a ship.  And because it goes along with one of his favorite primary songs.

I shared my favorite Book of Mormon scripture with my kids, Mosiah 2:41, "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.  For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." I love this scripture because it is so encouraging and happy.  It's also simple.  Live the commandments faithfully and be happy.  Now and forever.  Love it!

Davin wanted a turn too.  He picked a random scripture in 1st Nephi that talked about Nephi consulting with his brothers.  We talked about how he likes to play with his brothers and talk to them.  I thought it was pretty adorable that Weston helped him read it out.

Talia wanted a turn too but she can't read or even say most of the words so instead I just asked her questions about Jesus.  Weston and I each told a scripture story.  I had Weston close our FHE with his testimony.  He did such a great job.  He is a good kid with a strong spirit who loves the gospel.  I am so proud of all the good things he is doing and I hope that he continues to have so much enthusiasm for learning and living the teachings of our Savior.

Talia and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

This weekend was a struggle with my girl.  She is so challenging.  By far my biggest handful of a toddler.  She screams and throws tantrums like my boys never did.  She is stubborn and demanding.  She is not overly affectionate so if she gives you loves then they are extra special.  This weekend I just had had it with her.  Part of it was typical toddler stuff (not listening/obeying, wanting something every .3 seconds) and part of it was my hormonal state and part of it is just Talia's personality.  Needless to say I lost it for a little bit.

I'm not proud to say that I literally threw her baby doll stroller out the door when I tripped over it in the kitchen for the umpteenth time.  Or that I had to rearrange her bedroom so that she couldn't kick the blinds after her 3rd timeout of the morning.  Or that I had to go lock myself in my bathroom and bang my head against the counter before noon.

But I am proud to say that after banging my head against the counter I took a few deep breaths, left my head where it was and prayed.  I am not really a superfluous pray-er.  I probably should be, but it's not my immediate thought when I'm frustrated.  However, Saturday morning I was at the end of my mommy rope.  Ian was at work and I knew I had to somehow get Talia off her bed and move forward with our day.  Oh and not sell her on KSL.

Most of you probably pray all the time about parenting, but I am still kind of new to it.  Maybe that's because parenting my boys was always relatively easy.  Or because they were never really the problem--I was the problem--so it didn't really seem like I needed to pray so much about parenting.  Don't get me wrong, I always pray for patience (it's not my strong suit) and for guidance to be a good mom, but specifically about how to deal with a particular child on a particular day?  Not so much.  I didn't get some big revelation or anything, but Heavenly Father definitely answered my prayer.  I was able to feel peace and assurance that I could show the love I had deep deep down for my daughter when I went back in to get her off timeout.

It was a turning point in the day.  Not that the rest of the day was easy, but it was better.  So much better.  And all that kicking and screaming wore Talia out enough that she took a great nap.  She was a much happier girl post nap and I was a happier mommy.

She loves to listen to my headphones while I stretch after a basement workout.  Teenager in training.  Yikes!

I love Talia with all my heart.  When she is happy she is the sweetest, most adorable little girl on the planet.  And that is what I am going to choose to focus on.  And when she's not being so sweet I'm striving to not make it about me, but simply about her learning to fit into the rules of our house.  So today I wanted to share some of my favorite phone pics and videos of sweet Tal.  We love our girl and I am grateful for the things she is teaching me and the opportunity God has given me to be her mother.  I know He will continue to help me do a good job at it.

Tal loves her baby brother!

Talia loves to color!

Tal was so excited when Daddy took her along for some playtime in the snow.

We call this new hairstyle "both" because it's a braid AND a ponytail!

Time for a treat with Mom while the boys were at school this morning.  This girl has a major sweet tooth!

Talia has never watched the movie Cars, but she loves whatever her brothers have.

Talia telling us who her favorite princess is.

This is what bedtime looks like when your two year old takes a 3 hour nap from 2-5pm.

Weston's 7th Birthday!

My firstborn turned 7 years old on Tuesday.  It was a fun day.  He took mini chocolate donuts into his class for a birthday treat.  He wanted mini cupcakes but the only ones I could find were bright pink with heart sprinkles on them.  I assumed he wouldn't want those.  I was right.  :)  He got a card signed by his class and little gift bag from his teacher.  When he came home he played Lego's in the basement and played Skylanders with his new characters that he got from friends at his party. 

It snowed a ton during the day but we still ventured out for Weston's birthday dinner.  He really wanted to go to Wingers.  Apparently he is a "big fan of their chicken tenders."We had fun at dinner.  The restaurant was pretty empty on a snowy Tuesday night which is good for bringing 4 kids out for a meal.  They were actually pretty good.  Weston ate all of his food and was super excited when he got a birthday piece of asphalt pie.

We went home after dinner and opened presents.  He was very excited since he had to just look at his presents sitting on the piano all day long.  He got Battleship, a cool Lego building book, a Lego tie fighter set, a hot wheels car with a camera built in so you can record action video, lots of candy, and a new Ninjago backpack.  Lucky kid.

We ended the evening with singing him Happy Birthday and having chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, a birthday fave around our house.  Weston still struggled with the candles even though I put them pretty close together.  We will have to work on that for next year.  I think he had a very fun birthday.


Weston at 7 years old . . . He is fun and silly.  He likes to be crazy and talk in silly voices.  He likes jokes.  He is very into building Lego's.  He is a great reader and is currently reading the Book of Mormon with me and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Ian.  He does well in school.  His favorite subject is writing.  He wants to be an author when he grows up.  He also loves recess, especially tether ball.  He is helpful with his siblings and around the house.  He is a growing, healthy kid, but his 7 year old check up revealed his is still a couple inches too short to ride all the big rides at Disneyland (he's 45 inches).  I sure love my sweet, good, funny, smart big boy!