2010 Top Ten

So maybe it's a little cliche to do a "Top 10" for the year on New Year's Eve, but I hope to have this blog to look back at parts of my life and hope whatever I've written brings back memories or lessons learned I have most-likely forgotten years from now.....So in no particular order....

10. I got to spend 7 months as a full time stay at home mom for the first time ever! It was so fun and rewarding and oh, how I miss being with my kids all day. We went to the zoo, Kings Island, parks, pools, and more - but even lazy days at home were wonderful. I can't wait to be back with them again this spring.

9. Prayer....I learned not to pray to ask God to change His ways, but for Him to change my ways to His. This past year I, along with hundreds - no, thousands - of people all over the world begged God to heal our friend Mary Ann. She passed away in May leaving a huge hole in the lives of those I love - and left me questioning the purpose of asking God for anything if He's going to do what He wants anyway. But prayer is not about getting what we want, is it? It's about learning who God is and making Him part of our lives. I know she is missed everyday, but would want those missing her to keep prayer at the forefront or their lives....

8. "Taming the Spirited Child" - a book my mother-in-law gave me as I found myself a little desparate to reign in my sweet Julia girl. She is so much like me and going head to head with her was going nowhere. If your kid is strong-willed, check it out.

7. Jason and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. I cannot believe we've been married that long. He remains my best friend and love of my life.

6. On a lighter note....We decided we had had enough of our horrible, drywall eating, knappy dog Spanky and sent his furry behind to the pound. You can judge me all you want, but getting rid of him ranks not only in the top ten of my year, but the top ten of my life!

5. In May, we took a trip to Destin, Fl. It was a perfect get away for the 4 of us. Julia and Josh are both fishes - loving the water. We had fun combing the beach for crabs and jellyfish (no, we didn't touch them!).

4. Little House on the Prairie with Julia....We probably have every episode DVR'd and I absolutely love how much she loves it. During Joshua's nap, we'd be on the couch giggling as Laura pushed Nellie down the hill in her wheel chair or as Mrs. Oleson walked around at night in her green face cream. Great memories....

3. Potty-training Josh. I hate changing diapers - and not having a pay check I hated buying them. So soon after his 2nd birthday, we hopped on the "Stay dry" wagon with some-what easy success considering he's a boy. I'm so happy it's over!

2. Going back to work...Hmmmm...While I miss my children desparately, I have to admit my job is fun and the people I work with are great. If I have to have to work, this is totally the place I want to be!

1. I know I've devoted many a post to our baby on the way - but what can top adding a new little guy to the family?

Hope you have a wonderful New Year!

If You Really Knew Me...

...You'd know that about 5 minutes after I posted my last post I called my friend Lee at a local women's center to schedule a 3D/4D ultrasound and find out if I have a Miss Baby or Mr. Baby....Why I thought I had a prayer to make to 40 weeks I do not know....Where is my self-awareness? Gone, I guess.

We had the ultrasound last Wednesday, but waited until Christmas to tell everyone the fun news....

We had just finished opening presents at my parent's house when I pulled out a surprise present for Julia telling her that Mommy and Daddy got a new picture of the baby and the present inside would tell her if it was a baby boy or a baby girl.

She popped off the top of the gold star box and pulled out....

a LITTLE BROTHER bib!

Everyone cheered/high-fived, etc. It was fun :)

So I'm having a little remorse proclaiming my Team Pink-ness, but you need to know my pinkness came from wanting a sister for Julia and definitely not from not wanting another sweet baby boy. We are truly very excited to add another little man to our family. Julia remains the princess on the pedestal and my dad will need to get two carts when golfing in about 10 years or so...No, those boys can walk...It's good excercise....

Anywho, now we have moved on the what are we going to name this little guy...I'm open to suggestions as long as your open to "Hellz no" being my reply if appropriate. Seriously, we struggling with this one! Thankfully, we have some time.....

3rd Time's a .......Hmmmm?

So if you haven't heard (or read previous post) - Yes! We are having another baby! We've known for some time now, so the reality is gradually sinking in...despite my countless blood draws, 2 extra dr. appts., 3 ultrasounds, constant nausea, random barfing, bedtime at 8:30pm and general crankiness with the world.

Aside from that, we are just so excited! Julia is certain it is a girl to be named Charlotte (after Charlotte's Web) or Sophia (after idk) - but she informed me sweetly that if God gives us another boy that it'd be ok. Joshua is completely and understandably oblivious on how his world is about to get rocked, though I am confident that he, being the lover-boy he is, is going to be a great big bro.

I hate to admit it, but I'm totally on Team Pink! Joshua is the sweetest, most wonderful little boy God ever created (I'm biased, I know) - but he has a built in older bro in the form of his fun cousin Owen, and a built in BFF in the form of his little cousin (who is about as sweet as himself) Griffin. Three grandsons on my side also gives my dad a perfect 4-some to take golfing.

This leaves Julia - the lone princess - which does have some perks, but growing up with 3 sisters, I am a firm believer that every girl needs a sister. She does have wonderful cousins on Jason's side who live out of the area, which makes holidays and get togethers so fun, but oh how I would love for her to have a sister to grow up with!

So this brings me to the issue of "Do we find out???"

We have all the boy things we need and all the girl things we need, so preparation is minimal. No need to read up on taking care of circumcisions or girlie parts. We have the basics covered. I've heard from those who waited that it is one of life's greatest surprises - which I agree, but isn't it a fun surprise at 20 weeks, too?

I'm about 80% sure we will find out, but as this is most-likely (or as Jason would say "definitely") our last baby, I can't help but imagine the excitement in the delivery room waiting to find out if it's a boy or a girl (ie Rehearsal Dinner or Wedding :)

Thankfully, we have a little bit of time before deciding to or not to....I'll keep you posted....

Julia Punk'd Josh

So, there's a little practical joke war going on at my office...Somebody taped my cube....Somebody put toner all over one of my co-worker's phone so he ended up with black stuff all over the side of his head (hilarious, hilarious, hilarious) and so on...

I made the mistake of telling Julia....who decided these were great ideas...

Last night, I was telling her stories in her bed while Jason was helping Josh brush his teeth.

From her room, I heard the water running and Josh gagging, spitting, whimpering, and Jason asking him if he's ok over and over again.

I sat up and asked Jason what was going on...and then Julia looked up at me smiling, "Mom, I did something funny."

"What?"

"I put soap all over Joshy's toothbrush," her eyes shining. "Wasn't that a good one?"

I hopped out of her bed just in time to see Josh throw up in the hallway. It was pitiful. His eyes were red as he kept spitting. Jason ran down stairs to get him water.

The soap dispenser said call poison control so I did. Julia was at my side begging me to tell the lady that it was an accident...She really did feel bad not knowing that it would make him sick...

Thankfully, Josh is fine. Hand soap just gives you a tummy ache at most....He fell asleep shortly after with no other issues.

So whatever riff raff shananigans happen at my office will be kept mum at my house from now on...Thank God she doesn't know what toner is!

Thankful x 3

So Thanksgiving is tomorrow and like the rest of the country is doing (or should be doing :), I've been thinking a lot about thankfulness...

...Especially in light of the new addition coming to our family Spring 2011.


Many of you probably don't know that there were several years that Jason and I wondered if we'd ever have children. Growing up, it's one of those things you assume....You know, you get married and have kids (though sometimes not in that order) - but none-the-less, it's something I assumed...blindly assumed.

Three years after throwing out the pill with no baby to show for it, we decided to see a specialist who gave us hope and a very calculated plan -but three months and several painful procedures later - nothing.

They gave us the option of me having surgery (which insurance covered, but required 6 weeks of down time) or starting a "shot" regimen (which was $1,000+ a month that insurance didn't cover).

We decided to take a month off to pray - believing God had a purpose and plan for our lives, but truly having no idea what it was!

It was that month off that Julia, our sweet miracle, came to be.

The years before she came into our lives, I felt tested like I've never been tested before. I knew God knew our heart's desire, but His silence to it was confusing. Yet it was in that silence I found myself desparate to know Him more. If He was going to be quiet, I wasn't. I grew more as a Believer and a person more in those years than I had ever before.

During this time, I had to learn how to be thankful despite not getting my way - something I had never really had to do and a lesson I have tried to apply in every dark circumstance I've encountered since...."Give thanks in everything" took on a whole new meaning and was not something that came easily to me, but I knew it was a place I needed to be and I got there....after a lot of kicking and screaming and reflection and truth-searching.

So here I am sitting 6 years since seeing those beautiful pink lines telling me God finally said "yes!" and I am overwhelmed to the point of it almost being unthinkable that we will be a family of 5. I am grateful beyond measure for the gifts in my life. Even on the hardest days, I go to bed smiling amazed at God's goodness to me and my family.

I share this story to share my belief in God's faithfulness, not to broadcast how blessed I think I am...I know many people still waiting for their "Yes!" - and I hope my story brings you hope and confidence in what God is doing in your life....

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving and I trust this season you, too, find yourself thankful for everything He sends your way....

Like Lazarus...

Did I ever tell you that we announced our pregnancy with Julia at my sister Joanna's birthday only to have Julia be born a few days before her high school graduation? I hope it didn't take any wind out of her sails on her special days....

So on the afternoon of September 24 when I took a HPT that was positive I kind of laughed at the irony knowing my sister Grace was getting engaged that night! Being early in the pregnany as I was (and from sad experiences before), we decided to keep this little surprise to ourselves for a little bit...

I called the dr. and asked for a beta HCG blood test where they draw 2 days apart and look for an increase in your levels. My first draw was on a Tuesday and second was on Thursday.

Anxious to hear the results, I called the dr office after my Thursday lab to see what the starting numbers were. The little old nurse had to look it up on the website and after a few minutes came back and said, "I don't know the context of the results, but your HCG is negative and your progesterone is 0.1." I told her that I was hoping to be pregnant, but I guess this wasn't our time. I hung up very, very sad thinking "why did I even go get the second lab work done?"

We hadn't told our families and I was going back and forth about ever telling them. Why make them sad? I didn't need any pity and with Grace getting married there was so much happiness going around. I didn't feel the need to damper any of it...

On October 4th, 5 days after hearing the bad news, I was sitting at my desk on my first day back to work since having the summer off when I got a call from the dr. office. They had my second results. Again, I was thinking what does it matter....until the nurse on the line said, "The doctor looked at your HCG numbers. They went from 46 to 126 and he is pleased with the increase...."

I stopped her. "Ma'am, I spoke to a nurse on Thursday. She said my test was negative. She said I had no HCG levels....Are you sure you are talking to the right person? "

Silence.

"Let me bring up the website and double check."

...and I waited for 3 minutes on hold...

"Rachel, I looked it over and had my manager look it over and you are pregnant. These are your results - no doubt about it."

Like Lazarus coming back days later...The little life I grieved instantly reappeared in my heart...

Needless to say, I was speechless sitting in my little cube. The nurse went on how they wanted me to get one more HCG draw (which came back great) and wanted me to schedule my first OB appt.

So this past Monday Jason and I got to see Baby E #3's heartbeat flickering away on the ultrasound screen....I'm swinging from absolute delight to absolute terror (being outnumbered freaks me out) to absolute nausea...

Still, so thankful to God how He's growing our family.....Here's to a much less eventful 7 months or so! :)

ps: If you are wondering if I'm P.O'd at my doctor's office, I'm not. It was a ridiculous mistake, but an honest one. No one was hurt and if anything, it has led me to trust God in ways I never gave thought to before....He is the giver of life - not medicine, HCG levels, or even us. Worry, doubt and fear should have no control over me....and I'm using this little blessing as my little reminder. :)

Joshua has taught me....

> that I can play golf while using the restroom if asked so many times

> that bears, lions and dinosaurs pretty much make the same sound

> that peeing like a fountain in the bath tub is way cool

> that boys really do sleep with their baseball, football, basketball and toy gun

> that if I'm seen with a fly swatter, his golf club becomes a fly swatter and furniture/people become his flies

> that sleeping in is over-rated

> that Buzz is more fun than Woody

> that dogs are not easily forgotten...and will be prayed for despite being 6 ft under

>that ketchup should count as a fruit serving

> that the world stops for "diggers" (aka excavators)

> that male fascination with "boobies" begins at a very early age

> that watching Barney is worth it when he gives me "a great big hug and a kiss from me to you"

...and I'm sure this is just a start for many more lessons to come....

The Big "K"

Just over five years ago, my sweet Julia burst onto the scene of our lives. She was born screaming - and pretty much hasn't stop making her presence known since. She is all girl - sweet and sassy, strong-willed and sensitive, cautious and fearless, glitter and glitz. She loves nature walks and Barbie dolls, having her hair "done" and watching silly movies with her dad. She sucks her thumb when she's tired, nervous, bored and/or watching TV.

She lives to play with her best friend Lexie. She prefers "high" heels to flip flops and a dress is not a dress unless it "spins." She hasn't left the house without wearing pink in some form since I can remember.

Her hugs and kisses are the sweetest because she just doesn't hand them out to everyone and she is a perfect snuggler...She is one of those girls with beautiful curly ringlet hair who wishes it was straight. Her eyes are ocean blue and sparkle each time she gets her way. They storm when she doesn't. Her temper has yet to be tamed, but I am hopeful still.

Her love for her brother is as deep as her capacity to aggravate him. He adores her anyway.

She is everything and more to me...and is starting Kindergarten today...

Where these past 5 years went, I will never know...I just hope the next 5 are as wonderful and exciting....

Two Years of Joshy Sweetness

Two years ago today, I was so tired and so huge that Jason had me spend the morning on the couch while he and Julia tidied up the house. My ankles were non-existent, my wedding ring sat in my jewelry box as a fake one 3 sizes bigger squeezed my swollen finger.

After lying around all morning, we decided to make a Babies 'R Us run. Our crib had just been recalled and we were having a hard time finding one we liked. While there, I was checking out a rocker and a lady looked at me and said..."Girl you look ready. My daughter thinks she ready, but she doesn't look ready like you look ready." I laughed and told her I was sooo ready, but had to wait until Friday July 4 to be induced....

After the store, we stopped by Jason's parents to go for a swim. It was sweltering hot and a dip in the pool was just what this momma needed. Julia and Jason hopped right in, but I got caught up in talking to Barb, my MIL about the baby coming and their plans to remodel their kitchen...

Before I could get in the pool, a HUGE storm hit. Rain, wind, thunder, lightening, hail - this storm had it all. So we just had fun inside chatting as we waited for the storm to pass...

When the skies cleared, we got our things ready to go. I had just said good-bye to Jim my FIL, when I turned toward the door and felt a pop...followed by the gush of water like peeing your pants w.out peeing your pants.

It was 4pm. Everyone was in the foyer at that point and for a second I remember thinking "I'll just tell them later" - but not being about to hide my freaked-outedness, I walked to the door and said, "Um, I think my water just broke." My MIL quickly escorted my out of the house (who can blame her?!?) and asked, "Are you sure it wasn't from the pool?" - I didn't go in the pool. "Are you sure you didn't...um...wet yourself?" - At 28 yrs old, I knew the difference :) - Joshua Robert was on his way!

We called the dr office to let them know. Dr. Mary Ellen Leary was on call...All my OakCreek OBGYN girls know this lady is not known for her bedside manner. She delivered Julia so I knew first hand the chill she brings in the room. If we have a 3rd baby, I'm asking for Dr. Little and Dr. Patels home phones! jk.

She told me to go straight to the hospital. I said "OK" and headed straight for home! I had to have my bag and labor music...Contractions were light and far apart so I was confident we had a little time.

So we went from Springboro to Lebanon (where Jo and Matt picked Julia up at our house) and then on to the hospital. The storm had knocked trees over on St Rt 48 so we were going at 35 mph when contractions started getting stronger. It felt like a sit com for a while as I thought about the possibility of having him in the car...Thankfully, once we got into Centerville, Jason hit the gas and it was smooth sailing.

We got checked in to the hospital around 5:30pm. I was 4-5 cm, 80% effaced and convinced that it was going to be a loooong night. Around 6:30pm I was "allowed" to walk around (note to self with/if next baby: I will walk around when I feel like walking around), my contractions were coming closer and closer. I kept imagining each one like I was climbing up a hill and then running down a hill. It hurt, but with breathing and moving, it was bearable.

Our nurses switched at 7pm and I totally remember being under control thanking her as she said good-bye. The new nurse wanted to check me around 7:20pm so I got back in the bed and was about 8cm...That's when the HOLY $*#*% contractions started. I could not get up. I could not catch my breath. I could not think. One after another after another. I asked for an epidural. The schmuck anesthesiologist kept telling me to sit up..."you have to sit up...come on, it's time to sit up", but I just couldn't. I remember thinking, "I wished he got paid by the epi, cuz I am not getting one from him!" As soon as I had a 10 sec break from contractions, I sat up and at that moment I HAD.TO.PUSH! As I told the nurse, 5 nurses rushed in the room. One of them kicked the schmuck out (thank God) and the others got ready for this baby to be born.

I was 10cm and w.out any drugs, so let me tell you, I was ready to go...except the Dr. wasn't there yet...and the nurses told me I couldn't push (note to self with/if 3rd baby: tell the nurses to get their gloves on cuz I.AM.PUSHING!). I did some sort of feather breathing for 20 minutes of pure hellish pain when Dr. Leary flew in. I pushed once or twice and Joshua was born at 8:08pm weighing 8lbs 5oz and 21" long. He came out crying as they laid him on my chest. It was amazing and perfect...Jason was there holding my hand. My mom was somewhere behind me bc that was my rule :). It will forever be one of the most glorious moments of my life.


He truly is the sweetest boy to ever walk the earth...Being his and Julia's mommy is the most treasured title I could ever have...

So...Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Joshua Boy! I love you!

Vanilla Sweetness

So I'm trying desperately to make the house look like I've done something productive since Jason last saw it this morning...

The kids and I spent the entire afternoon playing outside while breakfast, lunch and snack dishes were piled up in the sink and the dishwasher was full of clean dishes I hadn't emptied. On the other side of the kitchen sits our waste basket filled to the brim. I have squished down 10 times or more in hopes it can fit one more juice box. Julia's PJ's are in the middle of the great room floor next to 3 towels used to dry 3 kids off from the sprinkler escapade earlier...There is more, but you get the point, right?

As I was scurrying around the house tossing everything here and there to give the fake impression that I am the stellar house wife I should be, Joshua started having a melt down. He saw a box of Vanilla Wafers and HAD.TO.HAVE.IT. I was in a hurry and tossed him one, which he tossed on the floor and reached for the box. Annoyed at his disregard for my "kindness" but more intent on him being quiet and let me clean, I handed him the box as he was standing on the chair next to me at the kitchen sink.

He pulled a cookie out. "Mau-mee," he said with the sweetest little boy smile. His squishy hand was outstretched holding the cookie out for me to take as a gift...I took it and then he went on his merry little way...like he just wanted to do something nice for me :)

Oh, how I love him!

How (not) to Pick a Pre-School

December of 2006, Jason and I happily/nervously/prayerfully signed papers to build a house in Lebanon, Ohio. It seemed like all the cards fell into place...We were 5 minutes from my parents and 10 minutes from Ridgeville Christian - the private Christian school I attended kindergarten through 12th grade. While I can't say I always LOVED the school, but looking back, I know those wonderful people helped shape me into the person I am (and I like myself :) so we decided that would be a great place for Julia and any more babies we would have.

May of 2007, the school announced is was closing. After 40+ years, they close 5 months after we signed our life away to build this house...nice...leaving a HUGE gap in the 16 yr plan I had for my child(ren).

So when the time came, we went with our very distant 2nd choice. Putting our smiley faces on over-drive, we were certain Julia would hit the floors of mini-acedemia running - and then I met her teacher...She was pleasant, I suppose, but when I saw her, there were no warm fuzzies...I kept telling Jason "She's just not a pre-school teacher" - and he had no idea what I meant until 4 months into the school year, she quit to be an office manager at a dental office. Here's to mommy-intuition! Julia's new teacher was amazing. She hugged the children and just seemed happy to be there...She was a pre-school teacher...but retired after the year was over...

So we started a new year this past fall. Another nice, but no warm fuzzy teacher. She didn't say "hi" to Julia when she came in. She didn't say "good-bye" let alone hug Julia as she left. The few times she acknowledged me were to inform me Julia wasn't using scissors right or Julia hid under the table when she couldn't be line leader. Now I don't expect a parade every time my child enters a room, but I like/expect manners and want to leave them with a smiling teacher who appears happy that she's there.

The day of the Christmas program, her teacher came up to me and said that she didn't know what to do with Julia who was sitting against the wall quietly while 3 boys stood in the hall hitting each other and 2 other girls were crying for Lord only knows what reason....and the teacher is outing Julia. Later the teacher told me she thought Julia was upset because she wanted a solo and the teacher didn't think Julia could do it. I should have ran out the door with Julia in tow at the moment...My degree is not education. It is not in child psychology, but I know you don't put limits on a 4 yr old like that, right? Even if the song was totally botched, I for one, love children singing for that very reason! They are cute and precocious.

After another similar incident, we decided we were done. I know it's just pre-school, but I just couldn't have my child told she couldn't do something, when we tell her the world is hers. If that's their philosophy, we fold. We are out.

We are starting a new school on Monday. Her teacher, coincidentally, went to Ridgeville. Julia met her on Friday. I am happy to report Miss Angela was smiling, welcoming and just a complete 180 from we had experienced at the other school. I gave her a little back ground of our reason for moving and my heart jumped when her mouth dropped as I recounted the teacher's dismissal of Julia's potential. Vindication!

I know this is another ramble of a blog, but I just thought I get the story out there and say...Moms, go with your intuition!

Redemption for My Last Post

I'm pretty sure Julia and Joshua got the point of last Friday morning's madness blog...They shaped up (or maybe I did) and we had a delightful afternoon reading books, making chocolate hearts and snuggling on the couch...I pray/hope/beg for that to be a sign of my life to come!

Maybe God sensed my distress, too, and gave our little family a wonderful weekend :) Saturday was a super-fun snow day. Jason, Julia and the next door neighbors shoveled, played and went sledding in the afternoon while Joshua and I spent some non-cry-cry pants time together.

Yesterday after church, Julia and I hit the streets of Lebanon...Oh how I love my little city - and I love that Julia loves it, too! We went through some antique and consignment shops before stopping in at the Golden Lamb for dessert. Something about that place turns my busy-little-go-getting-non-stop princess into the perfect little young lady. She sits down, puts her napkin on her lap, and uses manners w/out being reminded. She had the whole place charmed and I was so proud :)
We had a toasted pecan ball and the explored the 3 floors of hotel rooms that she loves so much. Then hit the library for some new books....

We got home and everyone suited up for more fun in the snow. Joshua LOVED the sled riding! It was a great way to end/begin the week! (((Smiles)))

SAHM 911

So I stayed at home today...for the first time without Jason since October...and I'm freaking out a little...let me tell you why...

October to February, I work full time for a national tax prep. franchisor as a Media Buyer. I put marketing plans together for 22 markets based on our target demo, then negotiate contracts with TV and Radio stations getting the most umph! for our dollars. Once the spots start to air, I track the ROI repsonse making sure the stations perform at an acceptable level based on phone calls generated by each station. I know you wanted to know all that!

So the end of February is quickly approaching and by 9am today, I realized the harsh reality that I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO BE A STAY AT HOME MOM!

Joshua is teething and is uber-sensitive to every move I make. I told him I had to go potty and he threw himself into hysterics banging his head on the floor. The only times he actually was not clinging to my feet were when I was holding him (which I love, but can't do it all day) or when Clifford was on (and I'm not the "let the TV baby-sit my baby all day" type tempting as it may be).

Julia just runs the house with the occasional walk-by assault on her brother's head while I'm trying to get some house work done and keep up on work issues that need my attention.

So these past few hours have me in a virtual panic thinking of the next 7 months. This will be my life everyday. Even writing it makes my chest tighten.

Please know that I LOVE MY CHILDREN with my whole heart and most of me cannot wait to be the mom I want to be - the kind that stays home teaching them new things, taking them new (free) places and taking care of them as I know time goes all too fast.

Ok. I'm breathing easier now...

So here is my ramble of a blog post...

How Much Do 2 CT Scans Cost?

So Friday, I get a call from Jason saying that he got hit playing basketball...His office is close to the Kettering Y and a couple of times a week, he and some buddies play...good times...

Except for Friday, a new guy joined in and during the last game, he went up for the ball coming down with his elbow on Jason's head....hard....

Now I'll admit that when Jason called me I was fairly certain he was just concerned over a goose-egg, but he was certain he needed to go to the ER and be checked.

When I got there, I knew he was right. The dude was talking so bizarre! His speech was slurring. His word choice was awkward. His humor was off. He had a concussion.

So for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, one of my guys got a CT Scan. Thankfully, his inner-brain was there and not injured beyond repair.

Where in the World is Humpster?

You're probably wondering who is Humpster...Let me give a little background before going into why I am so confused as to where he is....

Several months ago, Julia was playing with her Barbie and Ken doll. They were in the middle of getting married when I asked her what her Barbie's name was (I am a proponent of naming Barbies something besides "Barbie"...I don't know why). She said "Ella." Cute. Then I asked her what Ken's name was. She took a second, looked up and smiled. "I think his name is 'Humster'." I was rolling. The thought of the male doll upstairs in her closet of naked DD Barbie's was too much for me to not bust out laughing - though I promise I was protective of Julia's innocent mind.

Fast forward to this Christmas - We had family and friends over several times and I can't remember when/who, but after one of the many get-togethers, Humpster ended up with out a head. Julia was devastated and I promised her we'd find another Humpster to marry Ella.

Since then, I have been looking for a Ken doll at every store we go to...Target, Walmart, Kroger, Kohls and more - - NO ONE HAS A KEN DOLL! Has there been a re-call? Has a pycho bought up all the inventory? Is a militant feminist holding them hostage?

I have found him on Amazon, but srsly, does anyone know why he is MIA in all the toy stores?

...just a weird ramble of a blog....I know....

How Much Does a CT Scan Cost?

Well, I'm sure I will find out in the next week or so - but regardless, I learned today how much it is worth!

I was in the kitchen as Julia and Joshua were playing with the "tent" Jason built them around the couch when I heard the smack of Joshua's head hitting the coffee table - like a rock hitting the pavement! I rushed over and picked him. He reached for Jason then his eyes fluttered and closed. Panicking, Jason held him and I tapped his cheek saying "Joshy, wake up, wake up." He finally came around after the longest 20 or so seconds of my life.

So we all went up stairs and threw our clothes on to take him to the ER. I ran Julia over to our amazing neighbors who took her w/out question. When I got back, Jason said Joshua had done the whole eye-fluttering/closed thing again. While I'm not normally a jittery mother, all I could think about was Natasha Richardson and those boxers on Cinderella Man.....we flew to the hospital fast....

We went to Cincinnati Children's Liberty Campus and were taken back immediately once I explained what had happened. Let me tell you, this place has it TOGETHER! Super-friendly nurses got our information and took vitals quickly. The Dr. did was a perfect balance of concern and relaxed. Once she looked at Joshua and had us tell the story, she ordered a CT Scan to be on the safe side. A Child Life rep. came in with toys and information about how a CT Scan works with little ones - knowing what was going to happen before hand was so helpful cuz it was kind of crazy.

Joshua was not a fan of the CT Scan. They strapped him in a papoose as I held his arms and chin, Jason held his legs, and Ms. Tiffani the Child Life Rep. held a DVD player with Barney playing over Joshua's head. It took about 5 (felt like 50) minutes to get a good picture as they moved the bed back and forth (with all of us moving with it) through the big doughnut, but we did it and thank God, the scan came back normal.

We had to stay for 4 hrs so they could observe him. Nanna and Poppa came bringing tic-tacs, books and company for us as we waited for the ok to go home.

Anyway, we are home now and so happy Joshua is ok.

Peace of mind doesn't have a price - my lesson of the day...

Oh Julia.

So Joanna (my new co-worker, car poolist and sister) and I took Julia to school the other day. Just as I had turned out of the school I realized that I still had her car seat...so I whipped into the second entrance, pulled in the drive and asked Jo to hop out and put her seat under the front desk as we always do when someone else picks Julia up....

As Joanna did this, little Mrs. Hayes (who has to be pushing 80) turns around and ask Joanna (who she has never met) if there is a name on the car seat. There are, after all, 70+ children at her pre-school. Joanna says "No, it's Julia Ennis' seat. Should I write it on there?"

Mrs. Hayes smiles with her eyes twinkling, "No, we all pretty much know who Julia is."

Joanna responds, "Yes, I'm sure you all do."

New Year's Diversion

So it's 2010. Writing the year 2010 kind of makes me feel like I'm writing about a sci-fi novel. I mean, have any of you seen Back to the Future Part 2? Remember Marty going ahead in the future to the year 2015? Are flying cars really only 5 year away?

As I look ahead to the next 364 days, my emotions are a little mixed. In 2 months, I'm making an "employment change" that has me constantly swinging from absolute delight to paralyzing fear. I think of people dear to me to whom this year brings change and growth. My sweet Julia starts kindergarten this fall and I know I'll be a basket case. Joshua will turn 2 in June and witnessing my baby turn into a chatty toddler makes my heart melt. Jason and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage June 30. Thinking about how I've been married 1/3 of my life is both sobering as I'm really getting older! - and exhilarating knowing our love story continues as beautiful as ever. While my mind is trying to wrap around all the possibilities, I am trying to look at 2010 as a clean slate - nothing is concrete except the relieving fact that God is in control. From jobs to health to family to friends, He's it, when you let Him be it.

May this year bring us all peace.