Ladies’ Night

I met a group of girls tonight at a place called Color Me Mine.  You basically choose a ceramic piece to paint.  A week later, you get to pick up your glazed and fired work of art.  I looked at mugs and plates, but decided on a kitty dish.  I figured that no matter how bad it turned out, the cats would still eat out of it.  LOL. 

My chosen ceramic dish.

Kerry and I

Working intently.

My kitty dish.  We’ll see how the final product turns out.

As amazing as it was to have a night out. . .it was even more amazing to come home to a little girl who was very excited to see mommy.  I got home just in time to sing her “The Ants Go Marching” as I do every night.  I was so glad not to miss out on her goodnight hugs.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I fully intended on writing a post tonight, but I just have random thoughts in my head which have no clear order or direction.  For instance. . .

Random Thought #1:  Olivia learned last week how to chew gum.  The few times she has tried, she placed the gum in her mouth, chewed a couple of times and then promptly swallowed.  Last week, she wanted a Chiclet and to my surprise. . . 10 minutes later she was still chewing it.  Now, she’s a pro. LOL.  She has also decided that she loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which I am thrilled about.  She’s never been a sandwich eater and I’ve been dying to have something simple to make for lunch. 

Random Thought #2:  My eye really itches.  I must remember to pick up some eye drops tomorrow.

Random Thought #3:  We now have a new roof and new guttering.  Now, all we need is to fix our broken windows (from the hail storm) and repaint our house.

Random Thought #4:  Our cat, Tobey, is doing awesome.  His Adequan injections are really helping.  Adequan is normally used for arthritis in horses and dogs.  And, he’s now using his tail which means amputation is no longer even being considered.  I love our vet and love love love my cats. 

Random Thought #5:  I’ve got to go search the house for some eye drops.  This is driving me crazy. . .

Oh, and I had to share this picture of Olivia’s “babies.”  If only they made clothes that actually fit them. LOL.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Yesterday, we celebrated my dad’s birthday (it’s tomorrow) and Olivia picked out his birthday card.  It was a kitty card, of course, that meowed and laughed.  She was so excited to give it to him. 

Here is Grandpa Sailing with his granddaughters.

Let’s see. . . what else have we been doing. . .trying to stay cool and do things indoors.  It was 111 degrees today, which is the hottest it’s been here since 1980.  Izzy came over the other day and we had fun playing in our big tent under the dining room table.  We even watched some Max and Ruby in there.  Olivia loves it when Izzy comes over!

Tobey enjoyed the tent too.  He is doing very well by the way and seems to have regained use of his tail.  We go back to the vet tomorrow for another injection and then I start doing them at home.  Oh, and we got our new roof yesterday!  Very exciting!

Kindermusik



Olivia started her Kindermusik class today and loved it! She got to take home a bag full of things including these bell rattles. You would think they were the best things she ever received.  I don't think she put them down all day.  She danced around like this for over an hour tonight.  I had to convince her not to take a bath with them and she is currently sleeping with them. She is one crazy girl. . .crazy about her bells. . .and Kindermusik.  

Diskospondylitis

My poor kitty, Tobey. . .we spent an hour and a half in the vet’s office today (Olivia did surprisingly very well.)  Tobey has a condition called diskospondylitis.  Here is another link.   Our vet has never seen it before in a cat and only a few times in dogs.  It’s basically a bone infection and pain caused by a compressed spinal cord.  Tobey has to continue on antibiotics as well as pain meds. . .in addition to shots that I will have to learn to give him at home.  We are most likely looking at lifelong pain management, which could mean shots or possible surgery (that would cost thousands of dollars.)  In addition, he has lost use of his tail and will most likely not regain use of it.  Because having a tail that just dangles there can be hazardous (he could get it caught on something, etc) he may have to have his tail amputated.  So. . .I got loaded up with a lot of information (and meds) today.  I feel so bad for our poor sweet Tobey.  Our once very active, very ornery cat now just lays around.  You usually find him like this:

So, lots of prayers that we can get rid of the infection and help control his pain and that he regains use of his tail.  Poor Tobey is only a year old and is one of Olivia’s very best friends.  In fact, most people who meet him fall in love with him. . .he’s such a good kitty. 

**Update** Just since I posted this, Tobey began lifting his tail (after one month of no use)  This is great news!  His first injection may be REALLY helping!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Olivia got a tricycle for her birthday last year, but she has been too small to ride it.  I always told her some day, when she’s bigger, she would be able to ride it.  The other day, she got on it and started “walking” it.  She exclaimed, “Mama!!  I’m bigger now!!”  She still can’t quite reach the pedals, but that doesn’t slow her down. 

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th.  We celebrated at home with family and had a blast.  Olivia was very into the fireworks this year, but was quick to let me know when it was past her bedtime. LOL.

Today was another scorcher, so I put Olivia in her swimsuit and we headed outside.  We went to the splash pad at New Market Square and although Olivia was slow to warm up to it, she ended up enjoying it thoroughly. 

And, of course, everything is better with friends!

Fourth of July Preview

We headed outside tonight to do a few fireworks.  Olivia is not (nor has she ever been) the least bit afraid of them.  She actually enjoys them. . .immensely.  Here she is enjoying a few snap-n-pops.

I want to draw your attention to. . .her flip flops.  I learned last week (after she tried on some of Izzy’s) that Olivia could not wear flip flops. . .even the ones with the strap in the back.  She literally could not walk in them.  So, we bought a pair and “practiced” in them.  Now, she’s wearing them like a pro. LOL!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

I’ve been wondering about getting a really good teenage/young adult babysitter for some time.  We have a lot of family in town, so the need for one rarely arises.  But, I thought it would be nice to rely on one every once in awhile. . .especially now with so much going on in our families.  And, I’m proud to say that I snagged the perfect one!  Shea is caring, responsible, smart and an all around wonderful person.  She has adored Olivia since she was born and Olivia adores her just the same.  Olivia’s story has made such an impact on her that she is attending college in the fall with hopes to one day become a NICU nurse.  I meant to get a picture of them together today and it completely slipped my mind.  So, I went way back and found a picture of them when they first met at the March for Babies 2008.  Thank you, Shea, for all of your support over the years.  You are the kind of person that Olivia can really look up to.

Shea and Olivia

Monday, June 27, 2011

Olivia and I went with Shelley and Izzy to get pedicures today.  I’ll be honest, I was really nervous.  Olivia is a girl who used to scream as a baby whenever her feet were touched and cry whenever she got her nails cut.  It’s only been in the last year that she has let me paint her toenails, so I had no idea how she would do.  She did beautifully and I was so proud of her.  She has come such a long way.  Sure, she was a little squirmy and has never quite grasped the concept of “letting your nails dry.”  But, wow. . .what a big girl.  I think she might have even enjoyed it!! 

My Happy Girl

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Olivia has sure been brightening my days lately.  She is so naturally funny that you can’t help buy laugh out loud when you’re around her.  The other day, we took Tobey to the vet.  Olivia used to be terrified to go to unfamiliar places, but now she finds it exciting.  She found the vet’s office to be just that. . .exciting!  First, she asked to get up on the table and our conversation went like this.

Olivia: Can I get up on the table with Tobey?

Me:  No, honey, the table is for dogs and cats and other animals.

Olivia: Like elephants?

Me: Well, elephants are too big.

Olivia: What about a baby elephant?

Me: Still too big.  The table is for smaller animals.

Olivia:  Like caterpillars?

How cute is she?  Then, tonight I found my tiara from my wedding and she just had to put it on.  Most little girls would then pretend that they were a princess, right?  Well, Olivia runs around saying that she is King Juan El Bobo (a character from one of her favorite Dora episodes.)  It was hilarious.  She is, however, still a princess to me.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

I just thought I would give a quick update of everything going on in our lives.  Ryan’s mom was readmitted into the hospital because of what they believe are complications with meningitis.  As of tonight, she is in a lot of pain and could use a lot of prayers.  Ryan’s grandma was finally released from the hospital after being diagnosed with blood clots.  My grandma is still in a rehab hospital on oxygen undergoing dialysis.  My cat Tobey is at risk for having his tail amputated due to injury.  I honestly doubt that will happen, but I was given that as a possibility today during his follow up visit.  Whew. . .it’s been an emotionally exhausting couple of weeks.  I’m doing okay as the reality of my pregnancy loss is settling in. Some days are worse than others and I’m trying to take it one day at a time. I appreciate all of the prayers and emails and support from everyone.  Thank you so very much.  I’m just waiting to receive some good news one of these days.  My entire family could really use some. 

Happy Father’s Day

(I was unable to get this to post yesterday, so here it is a day late.)

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so,

He called it ... Dad

- Author Unknown

Birthday/Father’s Day Celebration

Today, we celebrated Grandma Sailing’s birthday.  Since Father’s Day is tomorrow, we celebrated that as well with pizza, cake and outdoor fun. 

Grandpa Sailing

Olivia and Grandpa Sailing having a swinging good time.

Izzy is loaded and ready to fight!

Let the water fights begin!

Watch out Uncle Donnie!  Your daughter is gonna get you!

Watch out Grandma Sailing! 

Taking time out for a splash in the pool.

Olivia absolutely loved sliding down into the pool.

She could have done this all day.

But, they were ready for cake and ice cream.

Happy Birthday Grandma Sailing!