Mary's first trip to the E.R.

Don't worry...she's OK! It was more for my piece of mind. She and I were playing on the floor and she was on my back...I was pulling on her arms (NOT hard!!) and then a few minutes later she started crying and would not use her right arm. I looked and it was swollen and she cried any time I touched it. So, what does she do next??? She trips and falls in the kitchen, which, when you fall forward, you land on your arms (instinct). So that's what Mary did; and promptly started screaming. She calmed down and seemed to be ok but just to be sure, she and I went to the pediactric E.R.

She spent the time running around the waiting room climbing on chairs and talking to the fishies as well as anyone else who would listen. She wanted to visit every nook and cranny. Fortunately for me she is quite a doll and talks very well, we just don't know exactly what she says.

After only 2 hours, we were on our way with a diagnosis of "hand-maids elbow" basically little kids' tendons in their elbows aren't too developed (or something similar) so when you pull (even slightly) on their arms, it causes their elbow to become dislocated. Now the theory with Mary is that when she fell in the kitchen, she "relocated" her elbow. Hence, the fact she was pretty much back to normal by the time we actually saw the doc.

After all of that, I am glad to say I got piece of mind because I was sure she had broken something. She is much more adventerous than her brother....and she just goes!!

Spring is in the Air!!

It can only mean one thing....SPRING TRAINING!!!

I wanted to make sure we took the kids to at least one game! Houghton had spring break last week so Paul and I took the kids to the Cubs vs. Rangers game. We had lawn seats (which is perfect with kids) it was a blustery but sunny day. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was about 85 degrees but the chilly wind and partly cloudy skies kept us cool! We all donned our Cub gear and really didn't pay any attention to the game....except when the crowd cheered. (Sorry Dad, it's just that way with little ones) We did see Derek Lee hit a double (which Houghton kept calling a home run because the ball bounced out over the fence :) and Sammy Sosa (now on the Rangers) got a base hit.

(And yes, Mary's onesie is Cubs...Thanks to Bebs!)

Help!!!

Ok, I am stumped. I have spent the last 20 minutes or so trying to figure out how to add more "stuff" to the blog. I don't have any idea what wigets are or why I would want them, how in the world html translates to what I actually see and how do I actually find an answer to my questions..."help" doesn't work by the way. (at least not for those who speak English)

I have gone back to work. Only two nights a week (weekend actually) I work Fri nite 6p-2a and Sun (3-11). I know that sounds a little crazy but I really didn't want to go back to work during the day and have to get a sitter. I am enjoying all of the activites staying home. I usually spend 2 or more days visiting Houghton's classroom and helping out. Mary and I also have playgroup. I also take care of a couple of other kids for a while after school. (More like keeping them out of trouble) It is nice but I miss the freedom of just being able to run out or to have a friend pick up Houghton from school (Mary's usually asleep) Chalk it up to lessons learned. I don't think I 'll be able to keep it up for next year....Houghton is pretty busy with after school activities.

We are making summer plans....I am amazed at all of the parents on the ball about this....summer camps, activites, play dates for the summer....ALREADY!! I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow let alone in several months!! I guess I am now inducted into the "mommy" groups....this is the first summer I will be home to do activites. The trick is to balance all of the "stuff" with downtime....It'll be somewhat easy since Mary still needs to have her naptime (me too!!)

Wacky Weather

Well, last weekend it was 98 degrees. Today it has been raining all day...we had the windows and door open just to hear it come down!! We even had thunder...that's unusual.
Paul and I did have to remind ourselves that it was the rain and not our ceiling coming down.
Mary didn't like the idea of not being able to go play outside. She did however get distracted by her brother.

We are on spring break this week and are enjoying it....well, I know I am. Houghton has another swim meet coming up this weekend. It's the season finale. He'll still be swimming after but there won't be any meets until this summer.

My little fish!

Houghton had an impromptu swim meet 2 weekends ago. It was short and he only had 2 events (vs. 6 or so) Paul took him while Mary and I stayed home (so Mary could sleep and I could clean) Houghton is really coming along and likes to swim. He's really ready for the summer when he can swim more (ie it's warmer) and then he can just goof around too!!

Housework....dreaded Housework

Why does is seem like the laundry never ends? Why can't the Laundry goblin eat more than just one sock? How do my children make messes faster than I can clean them up? These are the questions plaguing me these days. I wish it were politically correct to go around naked. At least for a few days so I can catch up on laundry. That is the only thing that makes me look forward to summer....less clothes....less laundry.

It seems these days I look forward to the weekend for different reasons than most.....I usually don't do much housework on the weekend....mostly because Paul is around and we either have plans or do family stuff. So I spend the week trying to get the cleaning done so I can enjoy the weekend. How's that for irony.