Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Please forgive me! It seems as though I've fallen off the face of the earth, I realize, when in fact it's just the opposite. I've been soooo busy in the last few months, it's as though the world just won't stop spinning!
So, some updates on life and MRP are called for: Since my last post in July (bad Karyn!), we've been to the hospital TWICE with her, had some major milestones, and have gotten some odd news. Read on.
First trip to the ER: Let me start by saying, it was totally my fault :( Brian was raking outside, and MRP and I were just chatting with him, when I decided to take her for a walk. I brought her into the garage, put her into our orange umbrella stroller, and wheeled her out into the driveway. Here's the kicker: I didn't strap her in (even though I even second-guessed myself when I first put her into it) because I thought "Oh, I'll just be a minute, she'll be okay 'til I get her into the driveway to tighten the belt." Ha, not so much. I wheeled her out, and within 30 seconds of being out there, she leaned over and SLAM! I looked down and she was bent over in her seat with her forehead smack-dab on the ground, and she was screaming bloody murder, rightfully so. We scooped her up and she immediately had a large swollen egg on her head that was already starting to look bad. I burst into tears, and Brian took her to walk around the yard and to sing to her. Everytime I tried to take her back, I just looked at her tiny little face and cried all over again. "You realize I won't be able to put her down or sleep tonight until we take her somewhere and have her checked out, right?" I said to my husband. So off we went to the E.R. Poor little girl. We waited about 45 minutes to see a doctor (you should've seen them trying to get her temperature, or was it her pulse?, from this little tape-thing they wrapped around her toe: entertaining to say the least) and when we finally DID see the doctor, he treated me like an imbecile. He walked in and said "Oh she's fine...what did she do, hit her head on a fall?" He HADN'T EVEN LOOKED AT HER YET! Umm, yes, that's what happened. He took her head in his hands and pushed all over it, hard (it even looked painful) and was finished and signing us out in two minutes. I said "doesn't that huge spot on her head look really bad? Like it's just full of blood right there?" He turned to me and said "yeah, it's called a BRUISE" and walked out. NICE HUH?
Our second trip to the hospital was HORRIBLE, to say the least. MRP had started for about a week to get fussy at night, and was throwing up every time I tried to give her a new food. And that's what we chalked it up to--not liking the new foods. Soon she stopped drinking her bottle, and then getting sick over and over again. The day we got her in to the pediatrician, she was already on her 5th set of clothes. I was told after a 3-4 minute exam, that it was just a stomach bug, and to give her some Pedialyte to keep her from getting dehydrated. She liked the orange flavor and drank two (of her) bottles that night. Then next morning, she was getting sick again, coughing, and had a temperture. Swine Flu? Who knows. We called and they made us an appointment for 6PM since the waiting room was so full. However, 20 minutes later, they called back and said they were too worried about her symptoms and her age, and that they were calling in the on-call doctor to examine her. We got there very quickly, and that's when everything went down hill. They had to use a catheter to get a urine sample, and were having ME hold her arms down to do it.(Don't they PAY people to do this?) I cried uncontrollably of course, so they had to have Brian come in and do it. Then they had to get a blood sample. He came out of the room, (as the professional he is, this surprised me), and said "I'm never doing that again, ever." We were told to take her to the hospital to admit her ASAP. "Do not stop for food, do not go home, go straight there," they told us. As you can imagine, I was a basketcase. I called my Mom and could barely speak. MRP was admitted to the hospital for about two days to receive fluids. We thought for sure there was no way that she'd sit on that bed for that long, without all her toys or the ability to get down on the floor and crawl around. Boy were we wrong. She was so out of it, she just layed there. Again, it was HORRIBLE. They tested her, and just kept saying "stomach bug." We think they were just scared to say "stomach FLU."
Little MRP was also bitten a few weeks ago by our family beagle, Buddy, that we've had for YEARS! She was crawling towards his bed in the living room and stopped just short of it. Buddy usually could care less what she does or where she is, but something just struck him the wrong way I guess, and he lunged for her face. THANKFULLY, she only had a mark at her hairline, and not on her face, but blood was everywhere, and Brian had to give her a bath just to clean her up. We're now keeping Buddy separated from her with a gate, but he was punished so badly, he's been behaving much better lately. I know some of you are sitting there saying "Get rid of him!" but I rescued him from such a terrible existence, I can't imagine getting rid of him.
Now some milestone updates:
* MRP will be turning one year old next month. Any suggestions on planning a successful birthday party for her age? Anything you did that your kid(s) loved?
* MRP can now walk about 4-5 steps between Brian and I, but still likes to crawl to get to places faster. How exciting; she'll soon be a little monster :P
* Her new favorite thing to do while eating (and a great tool for Mommy to keep her fingers out of her mouth) is to High Five! She thinks it's hilarious, and when I stop doing it, she grabs my hand to keep going. So sweet.
* The other big news? You've guessed it--we're expecting again! (I know, everyone at once: OHHH MYYYYYY!!) Believe me, this baby, much like MRP, was not planned :) Estimated due date of baby #2: May 27th. So far, everything's going swimmingly. Not much sickness, just tired all the time (of course). We had our first sonogram the other day--crappy pictures again--same woman that we had with MRP, but everything "looked great!"
So, as long as this post is, at least you've been caught up on MRP and have heard the BIG NEWS! Stay tuned for a new blog (I promise :)--I guess I don't have to write that one about "Keeping the Spark Alive" now right? :P
Until next time, expect the unexpected!
Karyn Potts
*To comment--would LOVE some!--click the button below*
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Diaper Disaster (WIN A PRIZE!!!!!!!!!)
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Picture it: you're on your way out the door, and you hear "Honey, you might want to come see this." You see your husband standing in the living room, taking off his top shirt and wonder exactly what's going on. You're late and need to get on the road. You walk into the next room, only to see your child playing in their exersaucer, happy as can be. You're confused, what's the problem? Your husband points and says "look down." You bend over and there, you see it: liquid poo, running down her legs, while she tap dances in the puddle at her feet. You look at the baby's face and she smiles, laughs joyfully, and waves her favorite little lamb in the air and continues on without a care in the world.
Well ladies and gentleman, that was my morning just the other day! I ended up holding MRP in the air, (Brian calls this "the no-roll zone!") while he stripped her down and basically gave her a bath with wipes and wrangled a new outfit onto her. (Boy that child loves to be nakey!) As we finished our much appreciated teamwork, we realized we had just missed a "Kodak Moment!" We should've totally taken a picture of that--surely that would've been worth some money in some sort of contest right?
SO, my question to you is: what's the best diaper disaster story you've experienced with your child? I want to know! Were you out somewhere without a napkin to your name? Did your child "go" on someone? Is there a theme park involved? Did you buy the wrong size? Was there a bath afterwards (for you?) It doesn't matter how old your children are now; I'm looking to hear the BEST story you've got! Details count!
The winner will win a family-friendly package of books, games, and tickets to the Lexington Children's Theatre! To enter: click the comment button below and post your story, with name and email address. (If for some odd reason you feel uncomfortable doing this, please feel free to send your contact information to my email with the first sentence of your story as a reminder of which one is yours---Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com)
I look forward to reading your replies!
Until next time, who's on diaper duty?
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click below*
Picture it: you're on your way out the door, and you hear "Honey, you might want to come see this." You see your husband standing in the living room, taking off his top shirt and wonder exactly what's going on. You're late and need to get on the road. You walk into the next room, only to see your child playing in their exersaucer, happy as can be. You're confused, what's the problem? Your husband points and says "look down." You bend over and there, you see it: liquid poo, running down her legs, while she tap dances in the puddle at her feet. You look at the baby's face and she smiles, laughs joyfully, and waves her favorite little lamb in the air and continues on without a care in the world.
Well ladies and gentleman, that was my morning just the other day! I ended up holding MRP in the air, (Brian calls this "the no-roll zone!") while he stripped her down and basically gave her a bath with wipes and wrangled a new outfit onto her. (Boy that child loves to be nakey!) As we finished our much appreciated teamwork, we realized we had just missed a "Kodak Moment!" We should've totally taken a picture of that--surely that would've been worth some money in some sort of contest right?
SO, my question to you is: what's the best diaper disaster story you've experienced with your child? I want to know! Were you out somewhere without a napkin to your name? Did your child "go" on someone? Is there a theme park involved? Did you buy the wrong size? Was there a bath afterwards (for you?) It doesn't matter how old your children are now; I'm looking to hear the BEST story you've got! Details count!
The winner will win a family-friendly package of books, games, and tickets to the Lexington Children's Theatre! To enter: click the comment button below and post your story, with name and email address. (If for some odd reason you feel uncomfortable doing this, please feel free to send your contact information to my email with the first sentence of your story as a reminder of which one is yours---Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com)
I look forward to reading your replies!
Until next time, who's on diaper duty?
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click below*
Surprise, Surprise!
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
A friend of mine back home in Missouri informed me recently that though her son is just two days younger than my little MRP, she is now pregnant with baby #2!!!!! WOW. I can only imagine! Two children under the age of 2; talk about a handful!
While there for a visit, our kids (sort of) played together on her living room floor. When I got up for a drink, MRP began to cry while her son sat happily in his jumparoo. She began to entertain both of them, and then you could literally see the light bulb go on above her head. She turned to me and said "Oh my gosh, this is how it's going to be, isn't it? I'm going to be going back and forth between them all the time!" I laughed and concurred "YUP! Sorry!" :P
Though I feel sorry for her, the situation has gotten me thinking: when will we have OUR second child? I'd like for them to be close together--close enough to play together, but far enough a part that I'm not pulling my hair out (is that second stipulation even an option? LOL)
How far a part are your children? Do you like it that way, or would you plan differently if you had the chance? What do you feel are the pros and cons of having them close together? Do you have two girls, two boys, or both? How many children do you have?
I have to admit, I'm very scared to have another girl. I am a girl who grew up with two older brothers (who themselves are 15 months a part!). I came along five years later; I'm what my parents labeled the "Welcomed Surprise!" I have no clue what it's like to have a sister, and as horrible as some of you may think this sounds, I enjoy that fact. Not because I didn't really have to share my toys with someone else, but more because I believe the relationships between brothers and a sister is very much different from that of two (or more) sisters. I remember going to friend's houses who had older sisters, and feeling so confused and annoyed with their relationship. Always yelling at eachother for wearing eachother's clothes, touching eachother's hairbrush or shoes. That kind of thing just doesn't happen between boys--I had the attitude of "get over it, she took your stuff," or "don't touch it, it's not yours." I'm nervous to experience that situation in my parenthood!
I guess we'll see what happens WHEN it happens.
Until next time, keep on the look out for surprises!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment, click below; I welcome your feedback!*
A friend of mine back home in Missouri informed me recently that though her son is just two days younger than my little MRP, she is now pregnant with baby #2!!!!! WOW. I can only imagine! Two children under the age of 2; talk about a handful!
While there for a visit, our kids (sort of) played together on her living room floor. When I got up for a drink, MRP began to cry while her son sat happily in his jumparoo. She began to entertain both of them, and then you could literally see the light bulb go on above her head. She turned to me and said "Oh my gosh, this is how it's going to be, isn't it? I'm going to be going back and forth between them all the time!" I laughed and concurred "YUP! Sorry!" :P
Though I feel sorry for her, the situation has gotten me thinking: when will we have OUR second child? I'd like for them to be close together--close enough to play together, but far enough a part that I'm not pulling my hair out (is that second stipulation even an option? LOL)
How far a part are your children? Do you like it that way, or would you plan differently if you had the chance? What do you feel are the pros and cons of having them close together? Do you have two girls, two boys, or both? How many children do you have?
I have to admit, I'm very scared to have another girl. I am a girl who grew up with two older brothers (who themselves are 15 months a part!). I came along five years later; I'm what my parents labeled the "Welcomed Surprise!" I have no clue what it's like to have a sister, and as horrible as some of you may think this sounds, I enjoy that fact. Not because I didn't really have to share my toys with someone else, but more because I believe the relationships between brothers and a sister is very much different from that of two (or more) sisters. I remember going to friend's houses who had older sisters, and feeling so confused and annoyed with their relationship. Always yelling at eachother for wearing eachother's clothes, touching eachother's hairbrush or shoes. That kind of thing just doesn't happen between boys--I had the attitude of "get over it, she took your stuff," or "don't touch it, it's not yours." I'm nervous to experience that situation in my parenthood!
I guess we'll see what happens WHEN it happens.
Until next time, keep on the look out for surprises!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment, click below; I welcome your feedback!*
Say Say O' Playmate....
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
While trying to drum up some good candidates for a focus group this week, (ask me how you can get involved--first meeting: August 3rd at 6:30 PM at Copperfield Clubhouse), I've realized, that I am not friends with a lot of other Moms! :(
Of course the other Moms in the office will already be at this meeting, so they're not an option to ask. I poked around and realized that I really only know a handful of other Moms on a personal level. So my question to you is this: how did you meet other Mommy's in the same boat as you? Was it through church, work, your husband's work friends, old college roommates?
We go to church, but don't know many of the parishioners on a first name basis (our own fault--that's another one of my goals this year); the Mommy's at my work all have older children; it's hard connecting with Brian's work wives because, well, they're MEN! so you have to go through two other people to get to the wife!; and I didn't go to college in Kentucky.
So what am I to do? I'm sort of the first in my group of friends to have a child (yes, I'm the pioneer :) Perhaps you have a suggestion? Or already have a playgroup in mind I can join with Margee? I'm trying to find kids around her age-range (she's almost 8 months---can you believe it?), to about 3-4 years old. This way she has some influence from older children who can teach her things and help her out. Any takers? Maybe we could start our own playgroup? Let me know!
Until next time: .....Come out and play with me!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment: click below, I appreciate your feedback!*
While trying to drum up some good candidates for a focus group this week, (ask me how you can get involved--first meeting: August 3rd at 6:30 PM at Copperfield Clubhouse), I've realized, that I am not friends with a lot of other Moms! :(
Of course the other Moms in the office will already be at this meeting, so they're not an option to ask. I poked around and realized that I really only know a handful of other Moms on a personal level. So my question to you is this: how did you meet other Mommy's in the same boat as you? Was it through church, work, your husband's work friends, old college roommates?
We go to church, but don't know many of the parishioners on a first name basis (our own fault--that's another one of my goals this year); the Mommy's at my work all have older children; it's hard connecting with Brian's work wives because, well, they're MEN! so you have to go through two other people to get to the wife!; and I didn't go to college in Kentucky.
So what am I to do? I'm sort of the first in my group of friends to have a child (yes, I'm the pioneer :) Perhaps you have a suggestion? Or already have a playgroup in mind I can join with Margee? I'm trying to find kids around her age-range (she's almost 8 months---can you believe it?), to about 3-4 years old. This way she has some influence from older children who can teach her things and help her out. Any takers? Maybe we could start our own playgroup? Let me know!
Until next time: .....Come out and play with me!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment: click below, I appreciate your feedback!*
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Baby Shower Ideas: Got Any?
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
On this dreary, stormy day I have decided to break from work for a moment to do a little research. Nope, it's not on parenting or the latest fashion trends for Mommies. I'm trying to plan a baby shower!
My Sister-In-Law (SIL), is due with a little boy in October. Yay! Another little playmate for MRP! I've already told her she'll have someone to boss around and dress-up (much to his dismay I'm sure!) in about a year when he's crawling :P
SO, my other SIL and I have decided to get a jump on the party planning. Any ideas? We've both been to some great showers, and are trying to remember what it was about them that made them so fun. Was it the theme? (I.E.: Bugs, dinosaurs or ducks?) The games? (Do preggos REALLY like having their belly measured with ribbon?) The food and cake? (Stay away from spicy!) The gifts?
Speaking of gifts: sidenote here: there's a fantastic new website called Wishpot.com Wishpot.com offers a unique, free of charge baby registry service that allows mommies and parents-to-be to find, save and share lists of things found from not just one but from any site on the world wide web, making the possibilities for baby shower gifts endless! Wishpot also offers price comparison and sale alerts to keep registries within every guest’s budget, as well as gift ideas & tips from baby experts and even other registered parents-to-be. How exactly does Wishpot work? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 1 – sign up. 2 – download the Wishpot button to your toolbar. 3 – go shopping! While browsing your favorite baby gift sites on the net, drag and drop items you like into the Wishpot button on your toolbar. The items will be automatically added to your registry. Set any price comparisons or sale alerts, then send to your family and friends! It's THAT EASY!
Now that we have the gifts part taken care of, we need suggestions for creative invitations, themes, games, where to get a fantastic cake--the works! Lay it on me people, I need choices!
Until next time, party like it's 1999!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below. Feel free to become "A Follower" of this blog!*
On this dreary, stormy day I have decided to break from work for a moment to do a little research. Nope, it's not on parenting or the latest fashion trends for Mommies. I'm trying to plan a baby shower!
My Sister-In-Law (SIL), is due with a little boy in October. Yay! Another little playmate for MRP! I've already told her she'll have someone to boss around and dress-up (much to his dismay I'm sure!) in about a year when he's crawling :P
SO, my other SIL and I have decided to get a jump on the party planning. Any ideas? We've both been to some great showers, and are trying to remember what it was about them that made them so fun. Was it the theme? (I.E.: Bugs, dinosaurs or ducks?) The games? (Do preggos REALLY like having their belly measured with ribbon?) The food and cake? (Stay away from spicy!) The gifts?
Speaking of gifts: sidenote here: there's a fantastic new website called Wishpot.com Wishpot.com offers a unique, free of charge baby registry service that allows mommies and parents-to-be to find, save and share lists of things found from not just one but from any site on the world wide web, making the possibilities for baby shower gifts endless! Wishpot also offers price comparison and sale alerts to keep registries within every guest’s budget, as well as gift ideas & tips from baby experts and even other registered parents-to-be. How exactly does Wishpot work? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 1 – sign up. 2 – download the Wishpot button to your toolbar. 3 – go shopping! While browsing your favorite baby gift sites on the net, drag and drop items you like into the Wishpot button on your toolbar. The items will be automatically added to your registry. Set any price comparisons or sale alerts, then send to your family and friends! It's THAT EASY!
Now that we have the gifts part taken care of, we need suggestions for creative invitations, themes, games, where to get a fantastic cake--the works! Lay it on me people, I need choices!
Until next time, party like it's 1999!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below. Feel free to become "A Follower" of this blog!*
Solid Foods, not just for adults anymore!
Hello LFM readers!
It's time! We've reached the 6 month mark--woohoo! At our visit to our favorite Ped., we were told little MRP can now start SOLID FOODS (I never thought we'd make it this far :P). Apparently, solid foods can be started at 4 months for bottlefed babies, but not until 6 months for breastfed. Which is just fine with me; it's 2 months less we've had to actually buy her "food."
So, to the store we went for rice cereal. Well, that's not completely true...I bought it 2 weeks ago because I was so excited about this milestone!
Directions specifically from doctor said 2 Tbs., but literature from doc's office said 2 tsp...hmmm. I go for the Tablespoons. I mixed it up in a small bowl and got out my soon-to-be trusty purple spoon that I've been letting her stick in her mouth lately, just to get used to the feel of it. Well, of course she was adorable--her little tongue didn't know what to think! I wish I could've fed her and taken pictures at the same time (Brian was working unfortunately). I did the "airplane" noises and everything! She loved it, but was soon over it. She didn't eat that much really; note to self: go for the teaspoons next time. She soon began to cry and get fussy, obviously done with her new "meal."
This experience, although perhaps trivial to some, is the first of many exciting ones in my book! She'll be on this cereal a few weeks, and then gets to start vegetables, and then eventually fruit. Ahh, my baby is "so big!"
Wondering: what were some of your favorite milestones? Did your child have a favorite (or NOT favorite!) baby food? Have they changed their mind since? Let me know! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time: yum yum!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below...and feel free to "become a follower"!!!!*
It's time! We've reached the 6 month mark--woohoo! At our visit to our favorite Ped., we were told little MRP can now start SOLID FOODS (I never thought we'd make it this far :P). Apparently, solid foods can be started at 4 months for bottlefed babies, but not until 6 months for breastfed. Which is just fine with me; it's 2 months less we've had to actually buy her "food."
So, to the store we went for rice cereal. Well, that's not completely true...I bought it 2 weeks ago because I was so excited about this milestone!
Directions specifically from doctor said 2 Tbs., but literature from doc's office said 2 tsp...hmmm. I go for the Tablespoons. I mixed it up in a small bowl and got out my soon-to-be trusty purple spoon that I've been letting her stick in her mouth lately, just to get used to the feel of it. Well, of course she was adorable--her little tongue didn't know what to think! I wish I could've fed her and taken pictures at the same time (Brian was working unfortunately). I did the "airplane" noises and everything! She loved it, but was soon over it. She didn't eat that much really; note to self: go for the teaspoons next time. She soon began to cry and get fussy, obviously done with her new "meal."
This experience, although perhaps trivial to some, is the first of many exciting ones in my book! She'll be on this cereal a few weeks, and then gets to start vegetables, and then eventually fruit. Ahh, my baby is "so big!"
Wondering: what were some of your favorite milestones? Did your child have a favorite (or NOT favorite!) baby food? Have they changed their mind since? Let me know! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time: yum yum!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below...and feel free to "become a follower"!!!!*
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Classes (Part Deaux)
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
I'm just updating--some LFM readers and I have joined forces, and have decided to sign up for Swim Classes at the Beaumont YMCA this summer! And I have to say, I'm very excited that little MRP will be in the "Shrimp" class! :) How adorable is that? I hope she loves the water and takes to it like a fish, like her Mom did!? I am SAD to say however, that after signing up for the class, I realized I would actually be IN the water with her, therefore having to go bathing suit shopping (I can hear the painful groans leaving your mouths as I write this!)
Eh, whatever. I sucked it up and bought what my friend calls "my first swim-dress, aka 'Mom-Suit'" It's black, of course, with little hawaiian flowers on it. Maybe I should've gone for blue, and then I could've blended into the scenary-- the pool?
We've also signed up for an evening music class. It's a bit pricey, but it's for 12 weeks, so it evens out to a nice average. She'll have her own little instrument kit we can play with at home too. I can't wait to see how she reacts to all the sounds and movement...and all the other babies! Another friend and I signed up together, so it will be good for me to get some social time in too.
Brian is going to alternate classes with me so he has the chance to see MRP's development in the classes too; has more daddy-daughter bonding time, and can mingle with other parents. I'm excited he's still just as involved today as the day she was born <3 What a good husband!
So, until next time: fill those summer schedules!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below!*
I'm just updating--some LFM readers and I have joined forces, and have decided to sign up for Swim Classes at the Beaumont YMCA this summer! And I have to say, I'm very excited that little MRP will be in the "Shrimp" class! :) How adorable is that? I hope she loves the water and takes to it like a fish, like her Mom did!? I am SAD to say however, that after signing up for the class, I realized I would actually be IN the water with her, therefore having to go bathing suit shopping (I can hear the painful groans leaving your mouths as I write this!)
Eh, whatever. I sucked it up and bought what my friend calls "my first swim-dress, aka 'Mom-Suit'" It's black, of course, with little hawaiian flowers on it. Maybe I should've gone for blue, and then I could've blended into the scenary-- the pool?
We've also signed up for an evening music class. It's a bit pricey, but it's for 12 weeks, so it evens out to a nice average. She'll have her own little instrument kit we can play with at home too. I can't wait to see how she reacts to all the sounds and movement...and all the other babies! Another friend and I signed up together, so it will be good for me to get some social time in too.
Brian is going to alternate classes with me so he has the chance to see MRP's development in the classes too; has more daddy-daughter bonding time, and can mingle with other parents. I'm excited he's still just as involved today as the day she was born <3 What a good husband!
So, until next time: fill those summer schedules!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below!*
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