Oh, and maybe camera quality. :)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Unsolicited Advice
No - this won't be a complaint session about people telling me how to parent, completely unsolicited. Like today when I was told by someone that I should just take Lucy's pacifier away and she'll learn to live without it. Or, that Lucy should be in pull-ups already; this particular person had "both of her boys potty trained by 18 months." Of course she echoed "boys!" after that.
Yeah, yeah.
Anyway, I could continue on; but, this is a post about me giving you unsolicited advice. haha.
Don't let your children hang out in the front seat of the car when it's not moving (and definitely not when it is moving!). It will result in:
1) A tantrum when being put back in the car seat to drive home.
and
2) Passenger windows that look like this:
Yeah, yeah.
Anyway, I could continue on; but, this is a post about me giving you unsolicited advice. haha.
Don't let your children hang out in the front seat of the car when it's not moving (and definitely not when it is moving!). It will result in:
1) A tantrum when being put back in the car seat to drive home.
and
2) Passenger windows that look like this:
It's my father's worst nightmare! haha.
I give you that advice; but really, it certainly does make waiting in the car at the grocery store more bearable and Sonic eating in the car easier!
Windows wash and tantrums last only a few blocks. But, chil-cheese tot stains on tan interior last forever. :)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Terrible 22 Months?
Lucy is taking this "terrible twos" thing to a whole new level. Apparently she misunderstood and thought since she was 22 months this month, she should start with the "terrible twos."
When I told my daycare provider how Lucy was acting, she said, "She's too young for that."
My thoughts exactly. Perhaps we are getting a jump start on this and it will be over sooner as well. :)
The other morning I tried to get Lucy ready for daycare. She was a mess. If I tried to brush her hair, she batted my hand away. She wouldn't let me brush her teeth and kept yelling, "No!" Even putting her in the car seat was a struggle...literally.
I think Heath considered it to be a bad mix of inpatient, tired Cori and stubborn, tired Lucy. I tried to tell him that she was just being testy, and perhaps she was a bit sleepy. That would help explain the extreme testiness.
He then got a taste of it that evening. Lucy was acting up at the dinner table. She was spitting water out and laughing. I told her, "No. Don't spit water." She laughed and continued. This went back and forth a few times, until I threatened to take the water away and ended up doing so. She thought that was hilarious and spit in my general direction.
Heath told Lucy to "tell Mommy sorry."
Her response? "No!"
This was followed by an eyebrow dip and a stern head shake. He insisted that she tell me sorry and she insisted on not doing so...I think he was finally starting to understand what I was talking about.
You see, Heath doesn't discipline Lucy much. He is completely wrapped around that little girl's finger. If she wants to eat bananas, pineapple, and peaches for supper, so be it. If she wants to sleep with us, while sleepily kicking Heath in the head and pulling my hair, so be it.
He'll see. Pretty soon, he'll see. I have a feeling the terrible twos have just only reared their ugly head. We have a year or more to go of unpredictable fits...in the grocery store, while putting her in the car seat, in restaurants...
I simply pray for patience. Please Lord give me more patience. Remind me to speak calmly and try to explain myself to her. I know she doesn't understand; but, it is good practice.
"I love you; but, you can't have that."
"I love you; but, you can't scream in the grocery store."
"I love you; but, you need to eat your ham first."
Please Lord give me the patience to not just turn the radio up when she is screaming in the car seat, after miles of pleading.
I feel like a bad mom admitting that I don't handle her fits well. I don't like raising my voice to her. I don't want her to think I just yell all the time. I try very hard to be cognizant of my own behavior during the fits. But, sometimes, I can feel the annoyance. Perhaps I need practice? Perhaps I will learn how to deal with these situations as time passes?
I usually do pretty good during the first five minutes or so. I just need to learn how to prolong that...
Heath does well at trying to avoid any melt downs by distracting her with toys or television. I kind of forget about the "distraction" option. I am worried though that it won't work some day or that she will become spoiled and not actually learn to behave in public.
How do or did you all handle the unavoidable terrible twos? Fits in the middle of a restaurant meal? The flopping on the floor, rolling around, crying tantrums?
As of now, when I feel frustration, instead of yelling I usually huff. "Ugh!"
Unfortunately, when Lucy is frustrated, she has started huffing too. It only reiterates why I shouldn't raise my voice!
When I told my daycare provider how Lucy was acting, she said, "She's too young for that."
My thoughts exactly. Perhaps we are getting a jump start on this and it will be over sooner as well. :)
The other morning I tried to get Lucy ready for daycare. She was a mess. If I tried to brush her hair, she batted my hand away. She wouldn't let me brush her teeth and kept yelling, "No!" Even putting her in the car seat was a struggle...literally.
I think Heath considered it to be a bad mix of inpatient, tired Cori and stubborn, tired Lucy. I tried to tell him that she was just being testy, and perhaps she was a bit sleepy. That would help explain the extreme testiness.
He then got a taste of it that evening. Lucy was acting up at the dinner table. She was spitting water out and laughing. I told her, "No. Don't spit water." She laughed and continued. This went back and forth a few times, until I threatened to take the water away and ended up doing so. She thought that was hilarious and spit in my general direction.
Heath told Lucy to "tell Mommy sorry."
Her response? "No!"
This was followed by an eyebrow dip and a stern head shake. He insisted that she tell me sorry and she insisted on not doing so...I think he was finally starting to understand what I was talking about.
You see, Heath doesn't discipline Lucy much. He is completely wrapped around that little girl's finger. If she wants to eat bananas, pineapple, and peaches for supper, so be it. If she wants to sleep with us, while sleepily kicking Heath in the head and pulling my hair, so be it.
He'll see. Pretty soon, he'll see. I have a feeling the terrible twos have just only reared their ugly head. We have a year or more to go of unpredictable fits...in the grocery store, while putting her in the car seat, in restaurants...
I simply pray for patience. Please Lord give me more patience. Remind me to speak calmly and try to explain myself to her. I know she doesn't understand; but, it is good practice.
"I love you; but, you can't have that."
"I love you; but, you can't scream in the grocery store."
"I love you; but, you need to eat your ham first."
Please Lord give me the patience to not just turn the radio up when she is screaming in the car seat, after miles of pleading.
I feel like a bad mom admitting that I don't handle her fits well. I don't like raising my voice to her. I don't want her to think I just yell all the time. I try very hard to be cognizant of my own behavior during the fits. But, sometimes, I can feel the annoyance. Perhaps I need practice? Perhaps I will learn how to deal with these situations as time passes?
I usually do pretty good during the first five minutes or so. I just need to learn how to prolong that...
Heath does well at trying to avoid any melt downs by distracting her with toys or television. I kind of forget about the "distraction" option. I am worried though that it won't work some day or that she will become spoiled and not actually learn to behave in public.
How do or did you all handle the unavoidable terrible twos? Fits in the middle of a restaurant meal? The flopping on the floor, rolling around, crying tantrums?
As of now, when I feel frustration, instead of yelling I usually huff. "Ugh!"
Unfortunately, when Lucy is frustrated, she has started huffing too. It only reiterates why I shouldn't raise my voice!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
25 Days of Christmas on TV: Part 2
Here is the rest of the Christmas TV Schedule! :) Enjoy these last two weeks. It truly is the best time of the year! Merry Christmas and God Bless!
My favorites are in red. :)
Thursday, December 15th
5 pm – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
7 pm – Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC)
7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Santa Buddies (DISNEY)
9 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
Friday, December 16th
4 pm – The Polar Express (DISXD)
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Special (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
5 pm – Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh! (NIK)
5:30 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol
7 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
7 pm – Christmas in Washington (TNT)
8 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
8 pm – Elf (USA)
9 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
9 pm – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
9 pm – Christmas in Connecticut (TCM)
10:30 pm – Christmas in Washington (TNT)
11 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
11 pm – Finding John Christmas (HALMRK)
Saturday, December 17th
7 am – Pinocchio’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – When Angels Come to Town (HALMRK)
8 am – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
9 am – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – Gift of the Magi (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)
10 am – Jack Frost (Cartoon) (ABCFAM)
10 am – The Polar Express (DISXD)
10 am – Elf (USA)
11 am – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABC FAM)
11 am – The Good Witch’s Gift (HALMRK)
12 pm – Miser Brothers’ Christmas (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Annie Claus Is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
2 pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM)
2:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
5 pm – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Frosty the Snowman (CBS)
7 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm – The Story of Santa Claus (CBS)
8 pm – CMA County Christmas (ABC)
9 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
10:30 pm – Saturday Night Live (Christmas Episode) (NBC)
11 pm – A Christmas Visitor (HALMRK)
12:30 am – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABCFAM)
Sunday, December 18th
6:30 am – Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (ABCFAM)
7 am – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
8:30 am – The Search for Santa Paws (ABCFAM)
9 am – The Family Stone (FX)
9 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
10:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10:30 am – Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish (ABCFAM)
10:30 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISXD)
11 am – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
11:30 am – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
12:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Christmas Come Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
3 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
3 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Elf (USA)
3:05 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
4 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISXD)
5 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
6 pm – America’s Funniest Home Videos Christmas Spectacular (ABC)
7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Cartoon) (CARTOON)
7 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
9 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Scooby-Doo Christmas (CARTOON)
8 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABC)
Monday, December 19th
5 pm – Phineas and Ferb’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
7 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABC)
9 pm – Marley & Me (FX)
9 pm - Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)
Tuesday, December 20th
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Special (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – MGM Parade (Christmas Themed) (TCM)
7 pm – Glee (Christmas 2010) (FOX)
7 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
8 pm – Deck the Halls (TNT)
8 pm – Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas (NBC)
8 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
8 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza (CMT)
9 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
9 pm – Santa, Jr. (HALMRK)
9 pm – A Night at the Movies: Merry Christmas! (TCM)
9:45 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau (CMT)
9:50 pm –Disney’s a Christmas Carol (STARZ)
10 pm – Holiday Affair (TCM)
Wednesday, December 21st
4 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
4 pm – Twas the Night (DISXD)
4 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
6 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABCFAM)
6 pm – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
6:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABCFAM)
7 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (CARTOON)
7 pm – Unlikely Angel (CMT)
7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
8 pm – Elf (USA)
9 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
9 pm – A Christmas Wish (HALMRK)
11 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
Thursday, December 22nd
4 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Lucky Christmas (HALMRK)
6 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABC)
7 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
8 pm – I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (ABC)
8 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
9 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
Friday, December 23rd
6 am – Snowglobe (ABCFAM)
6 am – Snow Day (FX)
7 am – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
8 am – Love Actually (ABCFAM)
10 am – A Christmas Carol (1938) (TCM)
11 am – Santa Baby (ABCFAM)
12:55 pm – Bad Santa (TV-14) (COMEDY)
1 pm – Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe (ABCFAM)
3 pm – Holiday in Handcuffs (ABCFAM)
3 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
3 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
4 pm – The Ultimate Christmas Present (DISXD)
5 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
5 pm – Scrooge (1970) (TCM)
7 pm – Shrek the Halls (ABC)
7 pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
7 pm – The Search for Santa Paws (DISNEY)
7 pm – The Night Before the Night Before Christmas (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Phineas and Ferb Christmas (ABC)
8 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
8 pm – A Christmas Carol (1999) (TNT)
8:30 pm – Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special (ABC)
9 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
9:32 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
10 pm – Call Me Claus (TBS)
10 pm – Deck the Halls (TNT)
12:04 am – Bad Santa (Unedited, TV-MA) (COMEDY)
Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve!
7 am – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (CARTOON)
7 am – Three Wise Women (HALMRK)
8 am – This Christmas (TBS)
8 am – Ed, Edd, n Eddy’s Jingle, Jingle, Jingle (CARTOON)
8 am – This Christmas (TBS)
8:30 am – Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: A Lost Claus (CARTOON)
9 am – Pinocchio’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
9 am – Deck the Halls (FX)
9 am – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
10 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
10 am – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
10:30 pm – Rudolph and Frosty: Christmas in July (ABCFAM)
11 am – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
11 am – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
11 am – Deck the Halls (TNT)
12 pm – The Search for Santa Paws (DISNEY)
12:30 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (ABCFAM)
12:30 pm – Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (CARTOON)
12:30 pm – Call Me Claus (TBS)
1 pm – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
1:30 pm – Johnny Bravo Christmas (CARTOON)
1:30 pm – Holiday Affair (TCM)
2 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
2:30 pm – Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (ABCFAM)
2:54 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
3 pm – Jack Frost (Cartoon) (ABCFAM)
3 pm – November Christmas (ABCFAM)
3:30 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
4 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABCFAM)
4:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
5:20 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISNEY)
6 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
7 pm – It’s a Wonderful Life (NBC)
7 pm – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (DISNEY)
7 pm – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
7 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Begins) (TBS)
7 pm – Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (TCM)
8 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
9 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
9 pm – November Christmas (HALMRK)
10:30 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
10:30 pm – Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (NBC)
10:35 pm – Christmas in Chelsea Square (CBS)
11 pm – The Ultimate Gift (HALMRK)
11 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
12:30 am – Twas’ the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
1 am – Deck the Halls (FX)
1 am – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
1 am – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
1:30 am – Twas the Night (DISNEY)
All Christmas Day – A Christmas Story (TBS)
My favorites are in red. :)
Thursday, December 15th
5 pm – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
7 pm – Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC)
7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Santa Buddies (DISNEY)
9 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
Friday, December 16th
4 pm – The Polar Express (DISXD)
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Special (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
5 pm – Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh! (NIK)
5:30 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol
7 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
7 pm – Christmas in Washington (TNT)
8 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
8 pm – Elf (USA)
9 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
9 pm – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
9 pm – Christmas in Connecticut (TCM)
10:30 pm – Christmas in Washington (TNT)
11 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
11 pm – Finding John Christmas (HALMRK)
Saturday, December 17th
7 am – Pinocchio’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – When Angels Come to Town (HALMRK)
8 am – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
9 am – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – Gift of the Magi (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)
10 am – Jack Frost (Cartoon) (ABCFAM)
10 am – The Polar Express (DISXD)
10 am – Elf (USA)
11 am – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABC FAM)
11 am – The Good Witch’s Gift (HALMRK)
12 pm – Miser Brothers’ Christmas (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Annie Claus Is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
2 pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM)
2:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
5 pm – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Frosty the Snowman (CBS)
7 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm – The Story of Santa Claus (CBS)
8 pm – CMA County Christmas (ABC)
9 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
10:30 pm – Saturday Night Live (Christmas Episode) (NBC)
11 pm – A Christmas Visitor (HALMRK)
12:30 am – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABCFAM)
Sunday, December 18th
6:30 am – Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (ABCFAM)
7 am – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
8:30 am – The Search for Santa Paws (ABCFAM)
9 am – The Family Stone (FX)
9 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
10:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10:30 am – Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish (ABCFAM)
10:30 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISXD)
11 am – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
11:30 am – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
12:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Christmas Come Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
3 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
3 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Elf (USA)
3:05 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
4 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISXD)
5 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
6 pm – America’s Funniest Home Videos Christmas Spectacular (ABC)
7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Cartoon) (CARTOON)
7 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
9 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Scooby-Doo Christmas (CARTOON)
8 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABC)
Monday, December 19th
5 pm – Phineas and Ferb’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
7 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – A Chipmunk Christmas (ABC)
9 pm – Marley & Me (FX)
9 pm - Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)
Tuesday, December 20th
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Special (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – MGM Parade (Christmas Themed) (TCM)
7 pm – Glee (Christmas 2010) (FOX)
7 pm – Deck the Halls (FX)
7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)
8 pm – Deck the Halls (TNT)
8 pm – Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas (NBC)
8 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
8 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza (CMT)
9 pm – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
9 pm – Santa, Jr. (HALMRK)
9 pm – A Night at the Movies: Merry Christmas! (TCM)
9:45 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau (CMT)
9:50 pm –Disney’s a Christmas Carol (STARZ)
10 pm – Holiday Affair (TCM)
Wednesday, December 21st
4 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
4 pm – Twas the Night (DISXD)
4 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
6 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABCFAM)
6 pm – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
6:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABCFAM)
7 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (CARTOON)
7 pm – Unlikely Angel (CMT)
7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
8 pm – Elf (USA)
9 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
9 pm – A Christmas Wish (HALMRK)
11 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
Thursday, December 22nd
4 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Lucky Christmas (HALMRK)
6 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABC)
7 pm – Christmas Magic (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
8 pm – I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (ABC)
8 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
9 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
Friday, December 23rd
6 am – Snowglobe (ABCFAM)
6 am – Snow Day (FX)
7 am – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
8 am – Love Actually (ABCFAM)
10 am – A Christmas Carol (1938) (TCM)
11 am – Santa Baby (ABCFAM)
12:55 pm – Bad Santa (TV-14) (COMEDY)
1 pm – Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe (ABCFAM)
3 pm – Holiday in Handcuffs (ABCFAM)
3 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
3 pm – Christmas Comes Home to Cannan (HALMRK)
4 pm – The Ultimate Christmas Present (DISXD)
5 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
5 pm – Scrooge (1970) (TCM)
7 pm – Shrek the Halls (ABC)
7 pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
7 pm – The Search for Santa Paws (DISNEY)
7 pm – The Night Before the Night Before Christmas (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Phineas and Ferb Christmas (ABC)
8 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
8 pm – A Christmas Carol (1999) (TNT)
8:30 pm – Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special (ABC)
9 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
9:32 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
10 pm – Call Me Claus (TBS)
10 pm – Deck the Halls (TNT)
12:04 am – Bad Santa (Unedited, TV-MA) (COMEDY)
Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve!
7 am – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (CARTOON)
7 am – Three Wise Women (HALMRK)
8 am – This Christmas (TBS)
8 am – Ed, Edd, n Eddy’s Jingle, Jingle, Jingle (CARTOON)
8 am – This Christmas (TBS)
8:30 am – Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: A Lost Claus (CARTOON)
9 am – Pinocchio’s Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
9 am – Deck the Halls (FX)
9 am – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
10 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
10 am – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
10:30 pm – Rudolph and Frosty: Christmas in July (ABCFAM)
11 am – Christmas With the Kranks (FX)
11 am – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
11 am – Deck the Halls (TNT)
12 pm – The Search for Santa Paws (DISNEY)
12:30 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (ABCFAM)
12:30 pm – Billy and Mandy Save Christmas (CARTOON)
12:30 pm – Call Me Claus (TBS)
1 pm – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
1:30 pm – Johnny Bravo Christmas (CARTOON)
1:30 pm – Holiday Affair (TCM)
2 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
2:30 pm – Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (ABCFAM)
2:54 pm – Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special (COMEDY)
3 pm – Jack Frost (Cartoon) (ABCFAM)
3 pm – November Christmas (ABCFAM)
3:30 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
4 pm – Disney Prep & Landing (ABCFAM)
4:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
5:20 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISNEY)
6 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
7 pm – It’s a Wonderful Life (NBC)
7 pm – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (DISNEY)
7 pm – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)
7 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Begins) (TBS)
7 pm – Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (TCM)
8 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
9 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
9 pm – November Christmas (HALMRK)
10:30 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
10:30 pm – Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (NBC)
10:35 pm – Christmas in Chelsea Square (CBS)
11 pm – The Ultimate Gift (HALMRK)
11 pm – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
12:30 am – Twas’ the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
1 am – Deck the Halls (FX)
1 am – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)
1 am – A Christmas Story (Marathon Continues) (TBS)
1:30 am – Twas the Night (DISNEY)
All Christmas Day – A Christmas Story (TBS)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Past Tree Experience
Thanks for the reminder to tell you a funny story about going to the Christmas tree farm. Oh, you didn't remind me? Well, here it is anyway...
Back when I was in college, we would come home on the weekends for Christmas decorating and traditions. I would of course bring Heath along, as he slowly became part of the tradition as well. My dad still had an old work truck, with just one seat and two doors. The three of us would travel all over in that thing - my dad driving, Heath in the passenger's seat, and yours truly sat in the middle.
We used to break the tradition up into two parts. One weekend we would go pick out the tree and the next weekend, we would go get the tree. This particular year, when we went to go pick out the tree, it was wet. The ground was soggy and mushy. Tromping around, weaving in and out of possible Christmas trees was hard enough; but, the owner also had about seven dogs running around. They ranged from beagle sized to yellow lab size. I just crossed my fingers that they didn't jump on me. Luckily though, we found a tree, marked it and told the owner we'd be back for it the following weekend. We made it out paw print free...
Once in the truck, my dad mentioned that he was trying to avoid stepping in dog crap, that was undoubtedly out there. Oh, yeah. I hadn't even thought about that. I was thinking of dirty paws. But, now that he had mentioned it, I did smell a hint of poo with the soggy, wet earth smell.
Noted.
The next Saturday, we pull up to the tree farm. My dad says, "Now, let's all be careful not to step in any dog poop. I don't want it tracked into the truck."
Heath and I agreed and nodded. We would be careful. Luckily the ground was a little harder and more frozen than last time. I specifically remember watching the ground as I avoided anything 'mud-like'. I was tip-toeing and skipping from one grassy patch to another. About fifteen minutes later, we were on our way. We were all very careful not to step in any dog poop.
Not even out of town yet, Heath says, "I smell dog poop."
My dad replies, "Hmm, nope. I don't smell it."
I agree, "I don't either."
Not even a minute goes by and Heath insists, "I smell dog crap! Someone stepped in it!"
I will never forget the next image I saw. It will forever be ingrained in my mind. I looked down at my dad's foot on the gas. He hadn't just stepped in a pile of dog crap. He stepped in that yellow lab's dog crap - the mother load. A huge pile was stuck to the bottom of his shoe and had squished up and curled over the side. Heath leaned over me, pointing toward my dad's foot. Immediately we all began to laugh.
How had Heath, the farthest away from it, smell it? And, my dad and I hadn't.
My dad pulled over on the side of the highway. He jumped out of the truck, mumbling what we can only assume were phrases including cuss words. Heath and I watched as he drug his leg along the grass of the ditch. He then leaned on a tree, trying to scrape his foot up and down the bark. Lastly, he used the tree to balance himself as he poked at his Adidas Superstar with a stick.
In the truck, there was nothing but tears and laughter. It was like watching a movie.
Once he felt that he had cleaned enough off, he got back into the truck. A few more miles down the road, we finally calmed down from laughing enough to let the truck fall silent.
"I still smell it!" Heath exclaimed.
This time, I checked my shoes. Smaller pile, but I was guilty too. My own shoe was embedded with poo. This time we didn't even bother stopping. Heath rolled down his window and threw my shoe in the back. My poopy shoe rode home with the Christmas tree.
Now, I have to be honest. I am literally laughing so hard that I'm crying while typing this. The story goes straight to my giggles. It is the single, most hilarious story that I can recall in my lifetime, thus far. The irony...the foreshadowing...the awesomeness...
It is a story that we talk about almost every year that we go to get our tree. This year was no different. We recalled the dog poop trip and laughed all over again. THAT is what memories are made of! :)
I only hope someday Lucy can have her own dog poop story. :)
Back when I was in college, we would come home on the weekends for Christmas decorating and traditions. I would of course bring Heath along, as he slowly became part of the tradition as well. My dad still had an old work truck, with just one seat and two doors. The three of us would travel all over in that thing - my dad driving, Heath in the passenger's seat, and yours truly sat in the middle.
We used to break the tradition up into two parts. One weekend we would go pick out the tree and the next weekend, we would go get the tree. This particular year, when we went to go pick out the tree, it was wet. The ground was soggy and mushy. Tromping around, weaving in and out of possible Christmas trees was hard enough; but, the owner also had about seven dogs running around. They ranged from beagle sized to yellow lab size. I just crossed my fingers that they didn't jump on me. Luckily though, we found a tree, marked it and told the owner we'd be back for it the following weekend. We made it out paw print free...
Once in the truck, my dad mentioned that he was trying to avoid stepping in dog crap, that was undoubtedly out there. Oh, yeah. I hadn't even thought about that. I was thinking of dirty paws. But, now that he had mentioned it, I did smell a hint of poo with the soggy, wet earth smell.
Noted.
The next Saturday, we pull up to the tree farm. My dad says, "Now, let's all be careful not to step in any dog poop. I don't want it tracked into the truck."
Heath and I agreed and nodded. We would be careful. Luckily the ground was a little harder and more frozen than last time. I specifically remember watching the ground as I avoided anything 'mud-like'. I was tip-toeing and skipping from one grassy patch to another. About fifteen minutes later, we were on our way. We were all very careful not to step in any dog poop.
Not even out of town yet, Heath says, "I smell dog poop."
My dad replies, "Hmm, nope. I don't smell it."
I agree, "I don't either."
Not even a minute goes by and Heath insists, "I smell dog crap! Someone stepped in it!"
I will never forget the next image I saw. It will forever be ingrained in my mind. I looked down at my dad's foot on the gas. He hadn't just stepped in a pile of dog crap. He stepped in that yellow lab's dog crap - the mother load. A huge pile was stuck to the bottom of his shoe and had squished up and curled over the side. Heath leaned over me, pointing toward my dad's foot. Immediately we all began to laugh.
How had Heath, the farthest away from it, smell it? And, my dad and I hadn't.
My dad pulled over on the side of the highway. He jumped out of the truck, mumbling what we can only assume were phrases including cuss words. Heath and I watched as he drug his leg along the grass of the ditch. He then leaned on a tree, trying to scrape his foot up and down the bark. Lastly, he used the tree to balance himself as he poked at his Adidas Superstar with a stick.
In the truck, there was nothing but tears and laughter. It was like watching a movie.
Once he felt that he had cleaned enough off, he got back into the truck. A few more miles down the road, we finally calmed down from laughing enough to let the truck fall silent.
"I still smell it!" Heath exclaimed.
This time, I checked my shoes. Smaller pile, but I was guilty too. My own shoe was embedded with poo. This time we didn't even bother stopping. Heath rolled down his window and threw my shoe in the back. My poopy shoe rode home with the Christmas tree.
Now, I have to be honest. I am literally laughing so hard that I'm crying while typing this. The story goes straight to my giggles. It is the single, most hilarious story that I can recall in my lifetime, thus far. The irony...the foreshadowing...the awesomeness...
It is a story that we talk about almost every year that we go to get our tree. This year was no different. We recalled the dog poop trip and laughed all over again. THAT is what memories are made of! :)
I only hope someday Lucy can have her own dog poop story. :)
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Christmas Tree
We have had our Christmas tree up since the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It took everything I had to not go get it earlier though. "Go get it?" you ask?
Yes. We kill trees. Christmas trees, to be exact - of the pine persuasion.
I don't feel bad either. Have you ever read that book, "A Wish to be a Christmas Tree"? It is what they were planted for. It is what they want. It's their time to shine! The tree that doesn't get to be a Christmas tree is the sad one...see he's crying...
Anyway, on with it. Heath and I have always had a real Christmas tree. Heath, my dad, and I would go to the patch every year and pick it out. Then, we would bring it home. Heath and dad would watch football while I decorated. It was a lovely tradition. Last year, it included Lucy. And, as time changes all things, this year my dad was in Texas. Heath, Lucy and I decided to continue our "real tree" tradition. Going to pick it out and bringing it home is half the fun! It is a tradition we hope Lucy gets excited about year to year.
Oh, remind me to tell you about some of the funny stories from Christmas tree traditions past.
This year, we didn't have my dad's truck. We decided, like the Griswolds, we could strap that baby to the roof of our SUV. Why not? They have twine. (Is anyone thinking about the Mayhem commercial right now?)
Once at the farm and freezing our buns off, we decided on a 7 foot beauty. If you ask me, it looks taller though. Heath and I asked each other several times, "Will this work?" We were referring to the car of course. The tree farm...guy, for lack of a better title, suggested trying to put it IN the SUV. Okay...laying the seats down...hmm....okay...let's try it! And, this is what happened to Lucy.
The needles would touch her arm occasionally. She was sure to let us know all about it. It was a little invasive, space wise. However, I was more concerned with the overwhelming pine smell that filled the car. It was crazy! Sneezing ensued.
I had to laugh. We always manage to get ourselves into these types of situations. It just wouldn't be our family tradition is something like this didn't happen.
Yes. We kill trees. Christmas trees, to be exact - of the pine persuasion.
I don't feel bad either. Have you ever read that book, "A Wish to be a Christmas Tree"? It is what they were planted for. It is what they want. It's their time to shine! The tree that doesn't get to be a Christmas tree is the sad one...see he's crying...
Anyway, on with it. Heath and I have always had a real Christmas tree. Heath, my dad, and I would go to the patch every year and pick it out. Then, we would bring it home. Heath and dad would watch football while I decorated. It was a lovely tradition. Last year, it included Lucy. And, as time changes all things, this year my dad was in Texas. Heath, Lucy and I decided to continue our "real tree" tradition. Going to pick it out and bringing it home is half the fun! It is a tradition we hope Lucy gets excited about year to year.
Oh, remind me to tell you about some of the funny stories from Christmas tree traditions past.
This year, we didn't have my dad's truck. We decided, like the Griswolds, we could strap that baby to the roof of our SUV. Why not? They have twine. (Is anyone thinking about the Mayhem commercial right now?)
Once at the farm and freezing our buns off, we decided on a 7 foot beauty. If you ask me, it looks taller though. Heath and I asked each other several times, "Will this work?" We were referring to the car of course. The tree farm...guy, for lack of a better title, suggested trying to put it IN the SUV. Okay...laying the seats down...hmm....okay...let's try it! And, this is what happened to Lucy.
The needles would touch her arm occasionally. She was sure to let us know all about it. It was a little invasive, space wise. However, I was more concerned with the overwhelming pine smell that filled the car. It was crazy! Sneezing ensued.
I had to laugh. We always manage to get ourselves into these types of situations. It just wouldn't be our family tradition is something like this didn't happen.
And, remembering that in my freezing, numb state, I forgot to get a family picture, we took one. The tree was horizontal this time; but, it worked.
Lucy loved the day. She even liked helping Heath clean up needles, during "installation."
Approximately six hours later, we had the finished product.
I've never seen a Christmas tree more proud!
I hope your tree is up and that you had a wonderful time decorating! Our family did. Continue with your Happy Holidays! :)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Gift Opening
There are a few gifts under our tree already. I started shopping on Black Friday and somehow managed to wrap about 30 presents and put them under the tree. It has been tough though. We have been trying to keep Lucy away from the presents. She doesn't necessarily want to open them; but, she wants to play with the bows or rip the tags off. So far, so good...
Last night, we were watching Rudolph and the Misfit Toys. A commercial came on of a boy opening a Christmas present. Inside was a toy dinosaur. The boy cheered and starting playing.
I heard a gasp.
I looked at Lucy, just in time to see her eyebrows raise, her mouth open, and a look of epiphany come across her face. She turns toward the tree and takes off in a sprint across the room. She picks up a gift from under the tree and looks at me with an anticipating smile. I had to laugh.
Then, unfortunately, I had to tell her no. I tried to explain that they weren't for her and she had to wait for Santa to come. She didn't seem to mind the explanation too much. She was easily distracted when the show came back on.
I think she is starting to understand gifts. :)
Last night, we were watching Rudolph and the Misfit Toys. A commercial came on of a boy opening a Christmas present. Inside was a toy dinosaur. The boy cheered and starting playing.
I heard a gasp.
I looked at Lucy, just in time to see her eyebrows raise, her mouth open, and a look of epiphany come across her face. She turns toward the tree and takes off in a sprint across the room. She picks up a gift from under the tree and looks at me with an anticipating smile. I had to laugh.
Then, unfortunately, I had to tell her no. I tried to explain that they weren't for her and she had to wait for Santa to come. She didn't seem to mind the explanation too much. She was easily distracted when the show came back on.
I think she is starting to understand gifts. :)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Santa Cookie
In October, Lucy and I stopped by The Cookie Company to get some fresh, right out of the oven cookies. :) I decided to pick one out for her that was frosted like a pumpkin. She loved it. Her reaction to it was priceless and when I tried to take a bite, she told me, "No! Mine."
Normally, I wouldn't approve of such behavior. But, this time, it was cute. :)
I know; I know. The cuteness excuse is the one thing that bad parents hang onto as an exchange for bad behavior. You'll just have to trust me that I won't let it get out of hand. Okay? Trust me. Lucy will not be a selfish, devil child. :)
Anyway, on with my story. There I was, in late November, buying a venti iced chi tea with vanilla at Starbucks (highly recommend the drink by the way; it's delicious). I saw a frosted Santa cookie. Lucy would love it! I knew I was going to buy it. I even debated putting it in her stocking. Nope. I was too excited. So, on her next mommy-Lucy night, we would bust out the cookie.
Oh the simple joys of a Santa cookie...
Normally, I wouldn't approve of such behavior. But, this time, it was cute. :)
I know; I know. The cuteness excuse is the one thing that bad parents hang onto as an exchange for bad behavior. You'll just have to trust me that I won't let it get out of hand. Okay? Trust me. Lucy will not be a selfish, devil child. :)
Anyway, on with my story. There I was, in late November, buying a venti iced chi tea with vanilla at Starbucks (highly recommend the drink by the way; it's delicious). I saw a frosted Santa cookie. Lucy would love it! I knew I was going to buy it. I even debated putting it in her stocking. Nope. I was too excited. So, on her next mommy-Lucy night, we would bust out the cookie.
Oh the simple joys of a Santa cookie...
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
25 Days of Christmas...on TV
Let me first say that I am pretty excited about ABC Family's New Original Movie, 12 Dates of Christmas. Let me tell you a bit about it and I'm sure you will be too. :) It's made by Disney. It's about Christmas. It stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack from Saved by the Bell). It stars Amy Smart (queen of 90's teen movies). And, it has the same storyline idea of Groundhog's day. Do you not completely love it already? I do! :) You can read more about it here: http://abcfamily.go.com/specials/25-days-christmas/blogs-details/12-dates-christmas/886324.
Next, are you not completely excited about the ABC Family 25 days of Christmas? The schedule that they offer seems to be getting lamer though. Here is the link to this year's schedule; it's on the right-side, about half-way down the page.
http://abcfamily.go.com/specials/25-days-christmas/
Also, at the link above, you can watch ABC Family Original Christmas Movies online - like Holiday in Handcuffs, Christmas Caper, Snow, Snow 2, and Christmas Cupid. I love Holiday in Handcuffs by the way; I highly recommend it. It starts Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez. I just love all of these 90's actors reappearing in their 30s. I simply love it.
Anyway, on to the schedule...the ones in red are my favorites or the ones I plan to watch.
Thursday, December 1st
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
5:30 pm – Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (ABCFAM)
6 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABC)
7 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Santa Buddies (DISNEY)
8 pm – CMA Country Christmas (ABC)
8 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Finding John Christmas (HALMRK)
Friday, December 2nd
4 pm – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
6 pm – Hoops and YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM)
11 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
Saturday, December 3rd
9 am – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
11 am – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
12:55 pm – Surviving Christmas (TBS)
1 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
5 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
9 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
11 pm – Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
11 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
Sunday, December 4th
7 am – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
9 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – A Season for Miracles (HALMRK)
12:15 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
1:05 pm – Disney’s a Christmas Carol (STARZ)
2:30 pm – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
4:45 pm – November Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)
9 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)
Monday, December 5th
5 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
Tuesday, December 6th
Wednesday, December 7th
Thursday, December 8th
4 pm – Nightmare Before Christmas (DISXD)
7 pm – Wipeout (Series, Christmas themed) (ABC)
Friday, December 9th
5 pm – Year Without a Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
5 pm – A Christmas Wedding Tail (HALMRK)
5:50 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISNEY)
7 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
7:30 pm – Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm – Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (CBS)
10 pm – This Christmas (TBS)
Saturday, December 10th
6:30 am – Snow (ABCFAM)
7 am – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
8 am – Bush Christmas (1947) (TCM)
8:30 am – Snow 2: Brain Freeze (ABCFAM)
9 am – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – Olive, the Other Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)
1 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Jack Frost (ABCFAM)
3 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
8 pm – The Flight Before Christmas (CBS)
9:30 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
11 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
Sunday, December 11th
7 am – Once Upon a Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
9 am – Twice Upon a Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – The Santa Incident (HALMRK)
9 am – Christmas in Connecticut (TCM)
1 pm – Santa Baby (ABCFAM)
3:35 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
6:05 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
7 pm – The Simpsons (Series, Christmas Themed) (FOX)
9 pm – Call Me Claus (TNT)
Monday, December 12th
7 pm – Santa, Jr. (HALMRK)
Tuesday, December 13th
5:30 pm – Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special (ABCFAM)
6:30 pm – The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
9 pm – Alvin and the Chipmunks (FX)
9 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
Wednesday, December 14th
4:15 pm – Disney’s A Christmas Carol (STARZ)
7 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza (CMT)
Enjoy and I hope you enjoy the Holiday Season. Part 2 will be coming on the 13th!
Next, are you not completely excited about the ABC Family 25 days of Christmas? The schedule that they offer seems to be getting lamer though. Here is the link to this year's schedule; it's on the right-side, about half-way down the page.
http://abcfamily.go.com/specials/25-days-christmas/
Also, at the link above, you can watch ABC Family Original Christmas Movies online - like Holiday in Handcuffs, Christmas Caper, Snow, Snow 2, and Christmas Cupid. I love Holiday in Handcuffs by the way; I highly recommend it. It starts Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez. I just love all of these 90's actors reappearing in their 30s. I simply love it.
Anyway, on to the schedule...the ones in red are my favorites or the ones I plan to watch.
Thursday, December 1st
5 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
5:30 pm – Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (ABCFAM)
6 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABC)
7 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Santa Buddies (DISNEY)
8 pm – CMA Country Christmas (ABC)
8 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Finding John Christmas (HALMRK)
Friday, December 2nd
4 pm – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
6 pm – Hoops and YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
6:30 pm – The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM)
7 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Good Luck Charlie, it’s Christmas! (Movie) (DISNEY)
7 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)9 pm – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
10 pm – Surviving Christmas (TBS)11 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
Saturday, December 3rd
9 am – Battle of the Bulbs (HALMRK)
11 am – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
12:55 pm – Surviving Christmas (TBS)
1 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
5 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
7 pm – It’s a Wonderful Life (NBC)
7 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)9 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
11 pm – Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
11 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
Sunday, December 4th
7 am – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
9 am – Jingle All the Way (Cartoon) (HALMRK)
9:30 am – Hoops & YoYo Ruin Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – A Season for Miracles (HALMRK)
12:15 pm – Silver Bells (HALMRK)
1:05 pm – Disney’s a Christmas Carol (STARZ)
2:30 pm – A Dog Named Christmas (HALMRK)
4:45 pm – November Christmas (HALMRK)
7 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (Movie) (DISNEY)
9 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)
Monday, December 5th
5 pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Santa Clause (HALMRK)
6 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC)
7 pm – A Sing-off Christmas (NBC)
7:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
7:30 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
7:30 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISNEY)
8:45 pm – A Christmas Carol (1938) (TCM)
9 pm – The Three Gifts (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
6 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC)
7 pm – A Sing-off Christmas (NBC)
7:30 pm – Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice (ABC)
7:30 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
7:30 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISNEY)
8:45 pm – A Christmas Carol (1938) (TCM)
9 pm – The Three Gifts (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (ABCFAM)
Tuesday, December 6th
4 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (DISXD)
5 pm – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (ABCFAM)
5 pm – A Carol Christmas (HALMRK)5:30 pm – The Polar Express (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Last Man Standing (Series, Christmas Themed) (ABC)
7 pm – The Night Before the Night Before Christmas (HALMRK)
7: 30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
7:30 – The Nightmare Before Christmas (DISNEY)8 pm – A Christmas Story (TCM)
9 pm – Mistletoe Over Manhattan (HALMRK)10 pm – A Night at the Movies (Christmas Themed) (TCM)
Wednesday, December 7th
4 pm – The Polar Express (DISXD)
5 pm – A Very Pink Christmas (ABCFAM)5:30 pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (ABCFAM)
6:30 pm – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Cartoon) (CARTOON)
7 pm – Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (CARTOON)
7 pm – Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas (HALMRK)8 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)Thursday, December 8th
4 pm – Nightmare Before Christmas (DISXD)
5 pm – Jack Frost (Animated) (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Christmas Choir (HALMRK)6 pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM)
6:30 pm – Cranberry Christmas (ABCFAM)7 pm – Wipeout (Series, Christmas themed) (ABC)
7 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)7:30 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! (DISNEY)
8 pm – America’s Funniest Home Videos Christmas Spectacular (ABC)
8 pm – Year Without a Santa Claus (ABCFAM)9 pm – Miser Brothers’ Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 pm – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)Friday, December 9th
5 pm – Year Without a Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
5 pm – A Christmas Wedding Tail (HALMRK)
5:50 pm – Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (DISNEY)
6 pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Frosty the Snowman (CBS)
7 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)7 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
7:30 pm – Frosty Returns (CBS)
8 pm – Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (CBS)
8:30 pm – The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story (CBS)
8:55 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)9 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
9 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)10 pm – This Christmas (TBS)
11 pm – Miser Brothers’ Christmas (ABCFAM)
11 pm – A Christmas Wedding Tale (HALMRK)Saturday, December 10th
6:30 am – Snow (ABCFAM)
7 am – Most Wonderful Time of the Year (HALMRK)
8 am – Bush Christmas (1947) (TCM)
8:30 am – Snow 2: Brain Freeze (ABCFAM)
9 am – Eve’s Christmas (HALMRK)
10 am – Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – Olive, the Other Reindeer (CARTOON)
11 am – An Old-Fashioned Christmas (HALMRK)
12 pm – Scooby -Doo Christmas (CARTOON)
12 pm – Elf (USA)
1 pm – Unaccompanied Minors (ABCFAM)1 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
3 pm – Jack Frost (ABCFAM)
3 pm – All I Want for Christmas (HALMRK)
5 pm – The Santa Clause (ABCFAM)
5 pm – Serendipity (E!)
5 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)7 pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (CBS)
7 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)7 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
8 pm – The Flight Before Christmas (CBS)
9 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
9 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)9:30 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
10 pm – Elf (USA)
11 pm – Jack Frost (ABCFAM)11 pm – Moonlight & Mistletoe (HALMRK)
Sunday, December 11th
7 am – Once Upon a Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 am – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)
9 am – Twice Upon a Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 am – The Santa Incident (HALMRK)
9 am – Christmas in Connecticut (TCM)
10 am – The Polar Express (DISNEY)
11 am – Snowglobe (ABCFAM)
11 am – The Case for Christmas (HALMRK)1 pm – Santa Baby (ABCFAM)
1 pm – Serendipity (E!)
1 pm – Annie Claus is Coming to Town (HALMRK)3 pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (ABCFAM)
3 pm – Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith (HALMRK)3:35 pm – Fred Claus (TNT)
5 pm – Holiday in Handcuffs (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Town Christmas Forgot (HALMRK)6:05 pm – Four Christmases (TNT)
7 pm – The Simpsons (Series, Christmas Themed) (FOX)
7 pm – 12 Dates of Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)9 pm – 12 Dates of Christmas (ABCFAM)
9 pm – The Christmas Pageant (HALMRK)9 pm – Call Me Claus (TNT)
Monday, December 12th
5 pm – Flintstone Christmas (ABCFAM)
6 pm – 12 Dates of Christmas (ABCFAM)
7 pm – I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (ABC)7 pm – Santa, Jr. (HALMRK)
7 pm – A Christmas Carol (1951) (TCM)
7:30 pm – Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas (DISNEY)
8 pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Family Edited) (ABCFAM)
9 pm – A Christmas Wedding Tail (HALMRK)10:05 pm – Elf (USA)
Tuesday, December 13th
5 pm – Merry Madagascar (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Christmas Card (HALMRK)5:30 pm – Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special (ABCFAM)
6:30 pm – The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Glee (Series, Christmas Themed) (FOX)
7 pm – Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
7 pm – Alvin and the Chipmunks (FX)7 pm – Farewell Mr. Kringle (HALMRK)
9 pm – Alvin and the Chipmunks (FX)
9 pm – Holiday Engagement (HALMRK)
9:30 pm – Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Movie) (ABCFAM)
Wednesday, December 14th
4:15 pm – Disney’s A Christmas Carol (STARZ)
5 pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (ABCFAM)
5 pm – The Santa Suit (HALMRK)7 pm – A Princess for Christmas (HALMRK)
7:30 pm – Beauty & the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (DISNEY)
8:50 pm – A Phineas and Ferb Family Christmas (DISNEY)
9 pm – Lucky Christmas (HALMRK)9:30 pm – Larry the Cable Guy’s Star-Studded Christmas Extravaganza (CMT)
Enjoy and I hope you enjoy the Holiday Season. Part 2 will be coming on the 13th!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Parents
Let me just say that parents are funny. I say that, all while forgetting I'm a parent too now.
I often discuss my family and how much I love them. I talk about becoming a mother and how thankful I am to be blessed...etc. Never do my parents comment on those types of statements. I occasionally get a comment about how cute Lucy is or possibly a chuckle over something I mentioned. But, after yesterday's post, both had something to say. Apparently the joke about my jeans hit a chord.
My mom asks out of nowhere, "You were being sarcastic weren't you?"
"What?"
"You were being sarcastic about the jeans."
"What? Oh, ha ha; I was just kidding."
I didn't really think much more of it, until I received a text from my dad just half an hour later.
"I really don't see that much wrong with those jeans-?"
I couldn't do anything, but laugh. I was kidding mom and dad. Of all the things, that is what they both comment on.
Now, I will tell you why I was kidding about the topic though, and I'm sure all children say this. My parents put my sister and I in some pretty hilariously awesome outfits through the years.
I would like to enter this photo into evidence, as Exhibit A.
My grandma made these dresses for us, which is pretty cute. :) And, velvet was in back then. However, the bows were just over the top. Ha ha. I laugh because I got the sweet end of this deal. My shoulder bows are only about half the size as the one on my sister's head. It actually flops to one side, because it weighed so much!
Please know that there are a lot more photos where that one came from; but, I don't have time to show you my childhood albums. :)
I often discuss my family and how much I love them. I talk about becoming a mother and how thankful I am to be blessed...etc. Never do my parents comment on those types of statements. I occasionally get a comment about how cute Lucy is or possibly a chuckle over something I mentioned. But, after yesterday's post, both had something to say. Apparently the joke about my jeans hit a chord.
My mom asks out of nowhere, "You were being sarcastic weren't you?"
"What?"
"You were being sarcastic about the jeans."
"What? Oh, ha ha; I was just kidding."
I didn't really think much more of it, until I received a text from my dad just half an hour later.
"I really don't see that much wrong with those jeans-?"
I couldn't do anything, but laugh. I was kidding mom and dad. Of all the things, that is what they both comment on.
Now, I will tell you why I was kidding about the topic though, and I'm sure all children say this. My parents put my sister and I in some pretty hilariously awesome outfits through the years.
I would like to enter this photo into evidence, as Exhibit A.
My grandma made these dresses for us, which is pretty cute. :) And, velvet was in back then. However, the bows were just over the top. Ha ha. I laugh because I got the sweet end of this deal. My shoulder bows are only about half the size as the one on my sister's head. It actually flops to one side, because it weighed so much!
Please know that there are a lot more photos where that one came from; but, I don't have time to show you my childhood albums. :)
Oh well, what can I do now? I guess I do what I have to do. I, now, must put Lucy in embarrassing clothing. I can blame it on the heredity cycle. :)
Shout out to my parents (because apparently that phrase grabs their attention) - the joking is all in fun. The eighties and nineties were horrible to anyone and everyone.
Cough, tight perms, cough, shoulder pads, cough, mini-mullets...hmm, I must be coming down with something. :)
I love you mom and dad. Although most of my childhood photos are embarassing or are of me in the background of Nikki's photos, haha, I loved my childhood just the same. :) It was a good time. Thank you.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Here Comes Santa Claus
This is going to a positive and exciting Christmas-themed rant. So, if you are one of those people who refuse to acknowledge Christmas until after Thanksgiving, you may want to exit your browser.
For those of you who are still here, thank you for sharing in my Christmas madness! :) Is it just me or is Christmas somewhat intoxicating? It really is. The way I feel at Christmas time easily surpasses any other time of year. Even going to work I am jolly. Haha.....okay, maybe not AT work; but, you get the point. Everyone becomes a little less selfish. You wish, and hope, and pray a little harder. You believe in miracles a little more. Faith in mankind is at its all time high. Time slows. Reflection of your life no longer involves your house, your income, or your weight. You are just thankful...
Which brings me to another point that we probably shouldn't bypass like that old, high school acquaintance that you pretend not to see - Thanksgiving. Being thankful is a good thing. We try to teach our children about it; so, why not practice what we preach?
I am so thankful for the life I've been given. I am truly blessed. Thank you to all of my friends, family, and four-legged friends and family for taking part in it! :)
Now...what started this Christmas rant? Why, Santa Claus ofcourse! He is coming to our town tonight! We are taking Lucy. She is going to freak! And when I say "freak," I don't mean the way I would react to an encounter with the gorgeous Matthew Lawrence. I mean the type of "freak" reaction I would have to a real-life Michael Meyers (that's the Halloween killer to those of you who aren't up on your pop-culture - tsk, tsk).
I expect a reaction similar to this:
Yep. That is a little Cori, clutching onto what we can only assume is some type of candy bribe to stand by this creepy stranger. Imagine the confusion in that tiny, blonde, mushroom hair covered head of mine...
"Don't talk to strangers? Unless they have a beard covering their entire face, they wear red, and give you candy? Sit on his lap? Whaaa?"
Just a shout out to my parents - those jeans are awesome. Thank you.
I lied. I think Lucy's "freak out" will be much, much worse than this. I expect the picture to be with her eyes closed, face red, limbs flailing, and doing the stiff leg. What is the stiff leg you ask? Oh, you know - when a child doesn't want to sit down, they stiffen their legs, and are no longer able to bend at the waist. It's very board like...and frustrating as hell.
I won't be upset tonight for a few reasons. 1) I've had time to mentally prepare for said "freak out". I deal better when it isn't in the middle of DSW and she flops on the floor. 2) I totally freaked out too. I don't want to be a hypocrite. 3) The pictures we will take will be hilarious when she is older. 4) If the picture is good enough, it could be Christmas card material. 5) I didn't properly prepare her for Santa.
I told myself that I would show her pictures and tell her how awesome he is. I planned to even give her candy whenever I introduced the picture of Santa - some real positive conditioning. I failed. Santa snuck up on me, to tell you the truth! Before I knew it, he was making his way to town.
So, tonight officially marks the beginning of the "festivities" and I couldn't be more pee-pants excited! Bring on Santa, bring on the fit, bring on the pre-Christmas (otherwise known as Thanksgiving)...haha..., and bring on Christmas!
Happy Thursday everyone! Be thinking about us at around 5:30 pm tonight, when we see Santa! Yippee!
For those of you who are still here, thank you for sharing in my Christmas madness! :) Is it just me or is Christmas somewhat intoxicating? It really is. The way I feel at Christmas time easily surpasses any other time of year. Even going to work I am jolly. Haha.....okay, maybe not AT work; but, you get the point. Everyone becomes a little less selfish. You wish, and hope, and pray a little harder. You believe in miracles a little more. Faith in mankind is at its all time high. Time slows. Reflection of your life no longer involves your house, your income, or your weight. You are just thankful...
Which brings me to another point that we probably shouldn't bypass like that old, high school acquaintance that you pretend not to see - Thanksgiving. Being thankful is a good thing. We try to teach our children about it; so, why not practice what we preach?
I am so thankful for the life I've been given. I am truly blessed. Thank you to all of my friends, family, and four-legged friends and family for taking part in it! :)
Now...what started this Christmas rant? Why, Santa Claus ofcourse! He is coming to our town tonight! We are taking Lucy. She is going to freak! And when I say "freak," I don't mean the way I would react to an encounter with the gorgeous Matthew Lawrence. I mean the type of "freak" reaction I would have to a real-life Michael Meyers (that's the Halloween killer to those of you who aren't up on your pop-culture - tsk, tsk).
I expect a reaction similar to this:
Yep. That is a little Cori, clutching onto what we can only assume is some type of candy bribe to stand by this creepy stranger. Imagine the confusion in that tiny, blonde, mushroom hair covered head of mine...
"Don't talk to strangers? Unless they have a beard covering their entire face, they wear red, and give you candy? Sit on his lap? Whaaa?"
Just a shout out to my parents - those jeans are awesome. Thank you.
I lied. I think Lucy's "freak out" will be much, much worse than this. I expect the picture to be with her eyes closed, face red, limbs flailing, and doing the stiff leg. What is the stiff leg you ask? Oh, you know - when a child doesn't want to sit down, they stiffen their legs, and are no longer able to bend at the waist. It's very board like...and frustrating as hell.
I won't be upset tonight for a few reasons. 1) I've had time to mentally prepare for said "freak out". I deal better when it isn't in the middle of DSW and she flops on the floor. 2) I totally freaked out too. I don't want to be a hypocrite. 3) The pictures we will take will be hilarious when she is older. 4) If the picture is good enough, it could be Christmas card material. 5) I didn't properly prepare her for Santa.
I told myself that I would show her pictures and tell her how awesome he is. I planned to even give her candy whenever I introduced the picture of Santa - some real positive conditioning. I failed. Santa snuck up on me, to tell you the truth! Before I knew it, he was making his way to town.
So, tonight officially marks the beginning of the "festivities" and I couldn't be more pee-pants excited! Bring on Santa, bring on the fit, bring on the pre-Christmas (otherwise known as Thanksgiving)...haha..., and bring on Christmas!
Happy Thursday everyone! Be thinking about us at around 5:30 pm tonight, when we see Santa! Yippee!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Pre-Lucy Thoughts
Of course all moms like to give advice and let me be the first mom to tell you that my way works best. haha. Just kidding. But, here you go...
1. What kind of diaper bag did you use? Purse-type? Diaper-bag type? Did your husband carry it? Did you use the straps to hold it on to the stroller? Did you also carry a purse?
First of all, wowsers! That is a lot of questions. That type of fast-firing of questions is how I imagine a chihuahua would talk, if it could. :) Anyway - I had a larger, black diaper bag. I wanted one that didn't have pastels and animals on it. So, my husband researched for "the best" one he could. It was online and had the best reviews. It looked more like a luggage-type bag than a diaper bag or purse, or at least I think so. My husband did carry it, since it was so ambiguous. We did use the straps for the stroller; we also used the straps that hold it onto the shopping cart. It was really helpful! Most of the time I still carried a purse, unless we were just running to a family members house or something, then I just threw my stuff in the diaper bag.
2. When did you fit back into your pre-baby pants? Did you buy larger pants or stay in maternity pants after baby?
I think it is unrealistic to think you are going to just hop back into your pre-baby pants. However, you are talking to someone who gained 54 lbs while pregnant. :[ I know those types of "freaks-of-nature" exist (no offense to those of you out there); but, I was NOT one of them. I didn't get back into my pre-baby pants until, like, 6 months later. Before that I had to buy new, big clothes (boo!). Just remember that everyone is different and hopefully my story makes you feel a bit better about it! haha.
We quickly became Pampers fans. We tried Huggies once when Lucy was a newborn and didn't like them. We never tried any other kind after that. For wipes, we prefer Huggies. That is weird; I know. We buy both though. Huggies are just a bit thicker and don't rip as easily when you pull them out. An argument for Pampers: Children's hospital uses Pampers - must be good! :)
4. Where did baby sleep those first few weeks (or longer)? Your bed? Bassinet? Crib? In your room or his/her own?
Lucy was our first, and it's me we're talking about here. So, the paranoia was through the roof! SIDS scares the poop out of me! I didn't want Lucy sleeping away from me for at least a month. It ended up, she slept in our room for 2 months before moving to her own room. She slept in a pack-n-play, in the shallow insert they have...hard to describe. The next one may move to his or her room faster; who knows? Lucy had a hard time soothing herself. Or, we had a hard time letting her soothe herself, something like that...
5. How long until baby made a public appearance? Where was baby's first public appearance?
Our family visited a lot immediately; so, we didn't really need to leave the house a lot. Since Lucy was born in the middle of winter, we were also encouraged to not let her be around a lot of people (flu!). I think her first real public appearance was to the doctor and back. I think we made a trip shopping all day when she was 6 weeks and that was a big deal - and tough! I honestly didn't feel like getting out too much; I was still really self-conscious and sleep deprived!
6. Most useful baby item? I ran into a girl shopping for a baby gift in Target & she was looking at hooded towels. I said they were useful but should have thought of more useful items!
It is really tough to say what was the most useful. We have had a lot of items that we really needed to get by. The most would probably have to be the boppy. It helped me support Lucy when I breastfed and she was able to nap in it. It comforted her; she felt like she was still being held. It was our infant savior!
7. Did you find out the baby's gender beforehand?
Yes. I wanted to be able to plan out clothing and colors and a name. I like to plan and be organized. Experiencing birth and seeing Lucy's face was enough excitement for one day. We wanted to have something revealed throughout the pregnancy. :)
8. How long was your hospital stay? Did your hospital provide any cool services (special meal, spa treatment, etc)?
We were there technically three nights, since I went in at 9 pm and was in labor all night. It seemed to be the perfect number of days for our first baby. The hospital had a special menu for the parents, where Heath was able to eat too. It was nice. :) No spa treatments though. :(
9. Were you induced? Have a c-section? Use drugs? Epidural? Or au natural the whole way?
I went into labor naturally, a couple of days before she was due. I was lucky. I was also able to have her vaginally, which is what we wanted. The labor was long and slow - 36 hours; however, Lucy did really well and they never felt the need to rush it or do a C-Section. My doctor actually claimed, "Lucy [was] loving the birthing process." I was offered something to "take the edge off" while I waited for the epidural. I said yes; I would take anything they thought I could have at that point. It really did help a little. Then, I got an epidural at 4 cm and about 26 hours in. I wouldn't have changed a thing.
10. Do you like when friends come to the hospital to congratulate you or would you prefer that time just for your family (extended or immediate?)?
I really liked everyone being there for Lucy's birth. However, it was a little overwhelming. I felt at my absolute most vulnerable. I just wanted to shower and cuddle my baby. However, two hours after and a shower later, I was ready to show her off. Most visitors respected our exhaustion though and kept their visits somewhat brief. But, I think I preferred the visits in the hospital to the ones when we got home. Visitors during the first couple of weeks at home really made it tough to get into a routine or to take naps. :[ Everyone is different though. Perhaps adjusting with a second child is easier - ?
Have a good Tuesday! And, please mothers out there chime in all you want! :)
Friday, November 11, 2011
Scary Times: Part 6
Let's all cross our fingers that this will be the last installment of the "Scary Times" posts. Deal?
When you last heard from me about Lucy being sick, we had just gotten out of the hospital for the second time. Lucy had an incision about 3 or 3.5 inches long in her groin area. Two stitches were holding it together, loosely, and a tube was sticking out of the top. The tube looked just like a McDonald's straw, minus the red or yellow stripe. It was held in by one stitch.
We also had to give her antibiotics and probiotics throughout the day.
Oddly enough, we were able to put her in the bathtub with the tube in. Won't water get inside her? No idea. But, that is what they told us to do. "Cleanliness is close to Godliness," Dr. A said.
The idea of the loose stitching was that the "sore", if you will, needed to heal from the inside out. Dr. A said that he couldn't sew it closed, or the abscess would just come back. That made sense. One week went by. We went in to get the tube out. The cultures of the abscess had come back - more staph infection. We weren't surprised; that is what we had all expected. He cut the tube stitch and pulled it out in, like, two seconds and we were on our way.
In the next few days the incision continued to kind of ooze. Gross - I know. Then, where the tube was, some skin started to emerge out of the "hole". When we went to get the stitches out, Dr. A said it was scar tissue. He took the other stitches out and told us that we would have to burn Lucy's scar tissue off. Now, doesn't that sound fun?
Sorry - can you sense my annoyance through my sarcasm?
We took home some liquid nitrate sticks. They looked like long Q-tips. Any skin it touched, it would burn. Daily, Heath and I had to hold Lucy down (it seriously took us both!) and would burn some of this scar tissue off. Lucy hated it. When I asked Dr. A if it hurt her, he said it would cause "mild pain" and "sting a little"...whatever that meant for a 21 month old. I dreaded that time of day. Bandage changing and "burning" was the worst.
The good news was that we no longer had to go see Dr. A! As long as the incision looked good in two weeks, we didn't have to follow up! Music to our ears.
Next thing we knew, the incision looked really odd. "The skin isn't touching anymore, right?" I asked Heath. After further staring and thought, we made an appointment with our regular doctor, Dr. B.
It had popped open. You could tell Dr. B hated telling us this. She went on to tell us, "All children aren't all this bad! I promise!" Then she told the nurse, "At this rate, they aren't going to let me deliver any more!"
Then, she left to call Dr. A from across the hall. Heath stood by the door, trying to hear the conversation. We were nervous that she would be sending us back to Children's. "Please no," we both pleaded. We heard the conversation end. Dr. B conversed with her nurses and they started gathering supplies. The nurse carried in gauze, sterile water, and bandage tape. Whew! No needles or thread!
Dr. B said that Dr. A shared her same regret with this entire situation. It just never seemed to end! My thoughts were, "You're telling me!?"
We did a week of wet to dry gauze changes, while continuing the burning of scar tissue. Fun times. These dressing changes had to take place twice a day and they were more challenging to get in place. The tape made Lucy's groin so red and it started to actually scab in some places. We tried our hardest to move the tape around and not tape in the same place. There just weren't that many options. We looked for a better tape to use than what the doctor gave us. We found a paper tape; but, it still irritated her leg, if we could get it to stick at all. Ugh!
A week later, I took Lucy back to Children's. We had just finished the burning and the incision was looking better. Dr. A said it looked good too. I was worried; could you blame me?
The outcome - no more dressings! No more tape! No more burning! Just neosporin and a band-aid. I was excited! Oh, and no more Children's Hospital! Yay! Nothing personal; I just don't care to see any of them ever again...
I used all of my excitement to go shopping. It was therapeutic to say the least! :) I even splurged a little and got Lucy the cutest brown, suede boots.
Everything is going well and we are both impressed with how much better the incision looks. Now that Daycare is able to see it, without a dressing covering it up, they didn't think it looked too good. I had to kind of laugh to myself, because it was so much worse before.
Now, please join in my excitement (and prayers that it's true) as I type these two little words...
The End.
When you last heard from me about Lucy being sick, we had just gotten out of the hospital for the second time. Lucy had an incision about 3 or 3.5 inches long in her groin area. Two stitches were holding it together, loosely, and a tube was sticking out of the top. The tube looked just like a McDonald's straw, minus the red or yellow stripe. It was held in by one stitch.
We also had to give her antibiotics and probiotics throughout the day.
Oddly enough, we were able to put her in the bathtub with the tube in. Won't water get inside her? No idea. But, that is what they told us to do. "Cleanliness is close to Godliness," Dr. A said.
The idea of the loose stitching was that the "sore", if you will, needed to heal from the inside out. Dr. A said that he couldn't sew it closed, or the abscess would just come back. That made sense. One week went by. We went in to get the tube out. The cultures of the abscess had come back - more staph infection. We weren't surprised; that is what we had all expected. He cut the tube stitch and pulled it out in, like, two seconds and we were on our way.
In the next few days the incision continued to kind of ooze. Gross - I know. Then, where the tube was, some skin started to emerge out of the "hole". When we went to get the stitches out, Dr. A said it was scar tissue. He took the other stitches out and told us that we would have to burn Lucy's scar tissue off. Now, doesn't that sound fun?
Sorry - can you sense my annoyance through my sarcasm?
We took home some liquid nitrate sticks. They looked like long Q-tips. Any skin it touched, it would burn. Daily, Heath and I had to hold Lucy down (it seriously took us both!) and would burn some of this scar tissue off. Lucy hated it. When I asked Dr. A if it hurt her, he said it would cause "mild pain" and "sting a little"...whatever that meant for a 21 month old. I dreaded that time of day. Bandage changing and "burning" was the worst.
The good news was that we no longer had to go see Dr. A! As long as the incision looked good in two weeks, we didn't have to follow up! Music to our ears.
Next thing we knew, the incision looked really odd. "The skin isn't touching anymore, right?" I asked Heath. After further staring and thought, we made an appointment with our regular doctor, Dr. B.
It had popped open. You could tell Dr. B hated telling us this. She went on to tell us, "All children aren't all this bad! I promise!" Then she told the nurse, "At this rate, they aren't going to let me deliver any more!"
Then, she left to call Dr. A from across the hall. Heath stood by the door, trying to hear the conversation. We were nervous that she would be sending us back to Children's. "Please no," we both pleaded. We heard the conversation end. Dr. B conversed with her nurses and they started gathering supplies. The nurse carried in gauze, sterile water, and bandage tape. Whew! No needles or thread!
Dr. B said that Dr. A shared her same regret with this entire situation. It just never seemed to end! My thoughts were, "You're telling me!?"
We did a week of wet to dry gauze changes, while continuing the burning of scar tissue. Fun times. These dressing changes had to take place twice a day and they were more challenging to get in place. The tape made Lucy's groin so red and it started to actually scab in some places. We tried our hardest to move the tape around and not tape in the same place. There just weren't that many options. We looked for a better tape to use than what the doctor gave us. We found a paper tape; but, it still irritated her leg, if we could get it to stick at all. Ugh!
A week later, I took Lucy back to Children's. We had just finished the burning and the incision was looking better. Dr. A said it looked good too. I was worried; could you blame me?
The outcome - no more dressings! No more tape! No more burning! Just neosporin and a band-aid. I was excited! Oh, and no more Children's Hospital! Yay! Nothing personal; I just don't care to see any of them ever again...
I used all of my excitement to go shopping. It was therapeutic to say the least! :) I even splurged a little and got Lucy the cutest brown, suede boots.
Everything is going well and we are both impressed with how much better the incision looks. Now that Daycare is able to see it, without a dressing covering it up, they didn't think it looked too good. I had to kind of laugh to myself, because it was so much worse before.
Now, please join in my excitement (and prayers that it's true) as I type these two little words...
The End.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I'm "Such a Mom"
I always said that I would be "the cool mom." I'm going to stay up with the times and styles. I'm going to continue to listen to popular music. I won't wear mom jeans or otherwise embarrassing clothes. I won't talk about boys or sing along in the car, especially during sleepovers. I will understand shorts that are just shorter than the finger-tip rule. I will understand asking to shave early. I'll remember myself as a child...
I'm not doing so well.
I don't know if it is my getting older, having "real-life" responsibilities, or being a mom that has changed me. I just don't see things like I used to.
Scary movies are scary. Watching someone get stabbed in the torso repeatedly is not just a fun thrill. It is terrifying that those people are out there!
Nickelodeon is kind of smart-alleck-y.
What is with all of the toys these days for little girls? Bratz? Give me a break. But, have you seen the Monster High dolls?
And, now they have costumes for little girls.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
I feel that this song reeks of school shooting. It really bothers me. I sounds like an awful anthem! After hearing the actual lyrics of the song, I can't stand to listen to it. I refuse to support the song, the idea, or the band. We even googled it, to see if the band reveled the meaning. Someone online claimed that it was to "raise awareness of school shootings." Yeah, okay. I don't believe that. It wouldn't be so upbeat.
Am I really being "such a mom"? Am I too touchy? Because, I swear I didn't used to be like that.
What do you think? Any other "moms" out there?
I'm not doing so well.
I don't know if it is my getting older, having "real-life" responsibilities, or being a mom that has changed me. I just don't see things like I used to.
Scary movies are scary. Watching someone get stabbed in the torso repeatedly is not just a fun thrill. It is terrifying that those people are out there!
Nickelodeon is kind of smart-alleck-y.
What is with all of the toys these days for little girls? Bratz? Give me a break. But, have you seen the Monster High dolls?
And, now they have costumes for little girls.
Let's pretend for five seconds that this little girl isn't wearing makeup. Are those fish net stockings? Or knee high boots? Let's just file this one in the "Toddlers & Tiaras" file.
I realized that I was being a little more critical than usual; but, I was finally told by Heath that I was "such a mom" when I made one particular complaint. It was about a song that hit the top 40 list a few months ago. I think it's just awful. The song is "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People. Catchy tune - I'll give you that.
The lyrics include these lines:
Robert's got a quick hand.
He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan.
Yeah, he found a six shooter gun.
In his dad's closet hidden with a box of fun things, and I don't even know what.
But he's coming for you, yeah he's coming for you.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet.
I feel that this song reeks of school shooting. It really bothers me. I sounds like an awful anthem! After hearing the actual lyrics of the song, I can't stand to listen to it. I refuse to support the song, the idea, or the band. We even googled it, to see if the band reveled the meaning. Someone online claimed that it was to "raise awareness of school shootings." Yeah, okay. I don't believe that. It wouldn't be so upbeat.
Am I really being "such a mom"? Am I too touchy? Because, I swear I didn't used to be like that.
What do you think? Any other "moms" out there?
Monday, October 31, 2011
Crickets are Scary
With our house being decked out with Halloween decor, Lucy has become fully aware of what a spider is. Until now, she simply paid little to no attention to anything creepy or crawly. However, now, she points out fake spiders yelling, "Pider." Then, she pretends to cringe with fear.
A real bug may be a different story...
I picked Lucy up from daycare one afternoon and we ventured toward the car. It is a pretty descent walk to the car, about a city block's distance. On the sidewalk, Lucy pointed out something and yelled, "pider!"
I leaned over to see a dead Asian beetle, you know those orange lady bug things. I said, "No. That is a beetle, Lucy."
About that time a cricket jumped on the sidewalk, right next to Lucy.
Her head jerked in the cricket's direction. Her eyes locked on it and widened.
"Ahhhhhh!"
And, she took off running down the sidewalk. She was running on her toes and her arms pumped at her sides. I've never seen her run so fast; she almost fell forward with all of her momentum.
I laughed. I could barely run after her; I was laughing too hard.
I tried to explain that it was a cricket and that it wouldn't hurt her. It didn't do much for comfort. I told her to grab my hand and "Mommy will keep you safe."
The rest of the walk, even once we were at the car, Lucy looked over her shoulder every ten seconds. She just knew that monster cricket was going to follow us home. :)
Happy Halloween everyone! I hope everyone stays safe tonight as they venture out for trick or treating. Watch out for those crickets! And, remember to watch that traffic while walking door to door. :)
A real bug may be a different story...
I picked Lucy up from daycare one afternoon and we ventured toward the car. It is a pretty descent walk to the car, about a city block's distance. On the sidewalk, Lucy pointed out something and yelled, "pider!"
I leaned over to see a dead Asian beetle, you know those orange lady bug things. I said, "No. That is a beetle, Lucy."
About that time a cricket jumped on the sidewalk, right next to Lucy.
"Ahhhhhh!"
And, she took off running down the sidewalk. She was running on her toes and her arms pumped at her sides. I've never seen her run so fast; she almost fell forward with all of her momentum.
I laughed. I could barely run after her; I was laughing too hard.
I tried to explain that it was a cricket and that it wouldn't hurt her. It didn't do much for comfort. I told her to grab my hand and "Mommy will keep you safe."
The rest of the walk, even once we were at the car, Lucy looked over her shoulder every ten seconds. She just knew that monster cricket was going to follow us home. :)
Happy Halloween everyone! I hope everyone stays safe tonight as they venture out for trick or treating. Watch out for those crickets! And, remember to watch that traffic while walking door to door. :)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Scary Times: Part 5
We continue our story...
For some reason sleeping in the hospital was harder for me this time. This being said, I didn't exactly sleep like a baby last time. Perhaps I wasn't exhausted with worry like last time; I'm not sure. Lucy slept well the first night. She still hated them waking her up throughout the night to check vitals. Who wouldn't?
The next morning we waited to hear about the CT scan. They finally scheduled it for early afternoon. We basically sat around all day until then. Since Lucy was more 'awake' than the last time she had a scan, this time she would have to be sedated. I hated the thought of it; but, I kept telling myself that at least she'd be getting good sleep. (Thank you Mackenzie and Morgan for Lucy's horsie, Bonnie!)
Also with the CT scan, she had to drink a contrast; so, when they take the images they can see the organs clearer. Last time they were checking her appendix and put the contrast in by IV. This time they had to have her ingest it. No problem. They mixed it with apple juice and she just had to drink the ten ounces. Never mind - it was much more difficult than we thought. We got her to drink four ounces on her own. However, she would not drink the rest. This meant they had to make her.
How do nurses make a 20 month old drink something? Shove a tube up her nose and down her throat.
It was tough. This was the one time that Heath and I were not able to help hold her down. They came in, wrapped her arms in a blanket, so she couldn't move, and three nurses shoved a tube up her nose. Lucy coughed, cried, gagged, dry heaved and looked at us for help. I stood back and cried. Heath just kept whispering to me, "This is terrible. This is just terrible."
They let her go and she immediately ripped the tube out. They had to insert it two more times until she stopped. Heath was finally able to pick her up while they let gravity drain in the six remaining ounces. I absolutely hate the feeling of having her ask us for help and comfort and not being able to do anything. It has to be the worst! She locked eyes with me and gave me a look as though, "Why?" It broke my heart. I wish she understood.
After that rough patch, we walked her down to the scan. She did really well and fell asleep in the machine again. The tech taking the images said that the abscess looked pretty large. Later that afternoon, during the staff rounds, we were shown the CT scan images. This was the most we had ever been included. We liked being included with the thorough explanation. They said that they saw her appendix; it was full of gas and appeared to be functioning well. We could finally rule that out. Whew! That was nice to hear!
They also showed us the abscess. Wow - was it large! It was actually pushing her bladder over, because it was so big. It had fluid inside of it too. The doctor then explained to us that to be able to get the fluid out completely, they would have to "go in". You may remember this same phrase from our initial doctor, in the E.R. This meant that this time, they would have to cut Lucy open. We were mentally prepared - whatever got this thing taken care of.
Family started to show up. My mom and sister spent the entire day with us. It was a blessing. Time no longer crawled. My dad called from Texas and said he was coming up for the surgery too. My heart was balancing between fear and happiness.
That night, Lucy was normal. The swelling had gone down a little with the IV antibiotics. She could walk again, because they were giving her Tylenol for the pain. She was dancing around the room and singing. It was a good time...in a hospital!
The day of the surgery, we were nervous again. I was never left alone this time though. I wasn't able to make myself crazy. So many family members showed up; I couldn't have been more thankful for all of them. Even my cousin Hannah drove for four hours to be with us. Our family came together for us - from literally all ends of the state and country. Isn't that awesome?
We walked Lucy down to surgery again. I was doing pretty good until the elevator. A woman got on that I recognized. She was really tall and her lips were pale. I immediately remembered her from a volleyball camp I attended in high school. Oh no - a real person! Let me explain...
I like to pretend that the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses helping are all super humans. They aren't normal. They don't have lives outside of the hospital. Basically, they are incapable of making human errors. This changes things a bit. She was real. I know she is. I was more nervous now.
We had a tearful good-bye, while Lucy yelled for us as they took her away. It's awful. I made sure to tell the anesthesiologist and a nurse that Lucy didn't deal with morphine well. If they could give her something else for pain, we would appreciate it. I had also told another random doctor this same information the night before.
The surgery, though, went well. We all sat in the lobby talking and even laughing. I ate a container of fries like I was being timed (the nerves!). The surgery and recovery were a little over an hour. However, there really is something very calming about not knowing the specifics of what is happening to her, knowing she is sleeping well, and knowing that this is all being taken care of.
Dr. A finally came from surgery. He said that the abscess was "nasty" and he was glad that they went in when they did. He kept reiterating how bad and nasty it was. They ended up also taking out 3 or 4 lymph nodes that were infected. They were the root of the problem I guess. He was speculating that the lymph nodes grabbed onto the infection, trying to "help out" the immune system with fighting it. However, they ended up getting the infection inside and held onto it until they festered long enough to swell like crazy. He wouldn't be able to tell us for sure until they got the abscess cultures back.
Dr. A also said that they put a drain in again; however, this time it was just a tube, without a bag. It would leak out onto a gauze.
I asked if they gave Lucy morphine. I bet you know his answer...yep! They did. I told three people and no one did anything about it. I appreciate Dr. A; because he acted genuinely concerned about it and told me that he would switch her to Tylenol with codeine.
We got to pick her up then. It is always a wonderful feeling being able to scoop her up in my arms. This time she wasn't as swollen; but, she seemed to have a bit of a black eye. :(
The recovery was similar. She was sleepy for a long time and then she had a morphine fit. It was the same as last time, but lasted longer. My dad, Heath's sister and her boyfriend were the only ones around to witness it this time. I think they realized that we weren't exaggerating. Heath and I were better at witnessing it by now. However, it really bothered Lucy's Aunt Heather. Thank goodness once that one was over, Lucy didn't have any more. Now we knew that the morphine was to blame. Noted!
Dr. A came by to check on Lucy at about 10:30 pm. I knew I liked him. He actually took the time to stop by. :) Also, he called to check on her again close to midnight. I loved how much he cared.
Lucy was finally able to eat again and snacked on Aunt Nikki's pizza. We laughed, since Nikki was supposed to be taking the pizza home to Uncle Brian. That was, seriously, the only thing Lucy would eat.
We all settled in to sleep around 1 am. My dad and sister decided to stay with us. I know that it wasn't a good night's sleep for them; however, I loved having them there. I seriously loved it. I want to have family sleepovers all the time now! :) Plus, they kept me sane. We had a crazy, humming, taking to herself, nurse. She was an old woman and she had braided her pigtails into buns on top of her head. She moved like one hundred miles per hour and acted like she was on fire. I wanted to strangle her. She was not good with Lucy at all. It is very true that the nurse makes your experience. We had a different one every day and night.
The next day, my family left. We waited for Dr. A to stop by again. Lucy would go home today - already! That was alright with us. Dr. A talked again about how "nasty" it was and said that once he made the incision it was like a volcano of puss. Gross. That sure does put it into perspective though. Heath and I wondered if a lymph node didn't burst and that is what caused the swelling to go from little to a lot in such a short amount of time.
They showed us her incision, the drain, and how to change the dressing. We then packed up to leave, via radio-flyer.
We would visit the doctor again the following week. In the meantime, we had to keep an eye on that drain tube.
- To Be Continued -
For some reason sleeping in the hospital was harder for me this time. This being said, I didn't exactly sleep like a baby last time. Perhaps I wasn't exhausted with worry like last time; I'm not sure. Lucy slept well the first night. She still hated them waking her up throughout the night to check vitals. Who wouldn't?
The next morning we waited to hear about the CT scan. They finally scheduled it for early afternoon. We basically sat around all day until then. Since Lucy was more 'awake' than the last time she had a scan, this time she would have to be sedated. I hated the thought of it; but, I kept telling myself that at least she'd be getting good sleep. (Thank you Mackenzie and Morgan for Lucy's horsie, Bonnie!)
Also with the CT scan, she had to drink a contrast; so, when they take the images they can see the organs clearer. Last time they were checking her appendix and put the contrast in by IV. This time they had to have her ingest it. No problem. They mixed it with apple juice and she just had to drink the ten ounces. Never mind - it was much more difficult than we thought. We got her to drink four ounces on her own. However, she would not drink the rest. This meant they had to make her.
How do nurses make a 20 month old drink something? Shove a tube up her nose and down her throat.
It was tough. This was the one time that Heath and I were not able to help hold her down. They came in, wrapped her arms in a blanket, so she couldn't move, and three nurses shoved a tube up her nose. Lucy coughed, cried, gagged, dry heaved and looked at us for help. I stood back and cried. Heath just kept whispering to me, "This is terrible. This is just terrible."
They let her go and she immediately ripped the tube out. They had to insert it two more times until she stopped. Heath was finally able to pick her up while they let gravity drain in the six remaining ounces. I absolutely hate the feeling of having her ask us for help and comfort and not being able to do anything. It has to be the worst! She locked eyes with me and gave me a look as though, "Why?" It broke my heart. I wish she understood.
After that rough patch, we walked her down to the scan. She did really well and fell asleep in the machine again. The tech taking the images said that the abscess looked pretty large. Later that afternoon, during the staff rounds, we were shown the CT scan images. This was the most we had ever been included. We liked being included with the thorough explanation. They said that they saw her appendix; it was full of gas and appeared to be functioning well. We could finally rule that out. Whew! That was nice to hear!
They also showed us the abscess. Wow - was it large! It was actually pushing her bladder over, because it was so big. It had fluid inside of it too. The doctor then explained to us that to be able to get the fluid out completely, they would have to "go in". You may remember this same phrase from our initial doctor, in the E.R. This meant that this time, they would have to cut Lucy open. We were mentally prepared - whatever got this thing taken care of.
Family started to show up. My mom and sister spent the entire day with us. It was a blessing. Time no longer crawled. My dad called from Texas and said he was coming up for the surgery too. My heart was balancing between fear and happiness.
That night, Lucy was normal. The swelling had gone down a little with the IV antibiotics. She could walk again, because they were giving her Tylenol for the pain. She was dancing around the room and singing. It was a good time...in a hospital!
The day of the surgery, we were nervous again. I was never left alone this time though. I wasn't able to make myself crazy. So many family members showed up; I couldn't have been more thankful for all of them. Even my cousin Hannah drove for four hours to be with us. Our family came together for us - from literally all ends of the state and country. Isn't that awesome?
We walked Lucy down to surgery again. I was doing pretty good until the elevator. A woman got on that I recognized. She was really tall and her lips were pale. I immediately remembered her from a volleyball camp I attended in high school. Oh no - a real person! Let me explain...
I like to pretend that the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses helping are all super humans. They aren't normal. They don't have lives outside of the hospital. Basically, they are incapable of making human errors. This changes things a bit. She was real. I know she is. I was more nervous now.
We had a tearful good-bye, while Lucy yelled for us as they took her away. It's awful. I made sure to tell the anesthesiologist and a nurse that Lucy didn't deal with morphine well. If they could give her something else for pain, we would appreciate it. I had also told another random doctor this same information the night before.
The surgery, though, went well. We all sat in the lobby talking and even laughing. I ate a container of fries like I was being timed (the nerves!). The surgery and recovery were a little over an hour. However, there really is something very calming about not knowing the specifics of what is happening to her, knowing she is sleeping well, and knowing that this is all being taken care of.
Dr. A finally came from surgery. He said that the abscess was "nasty" and he was glad that they went in when they did. He kept reiterating how bad and nasty it was. They ended up also taking out 3 or 4 lymph nodes that were infected. They were the root of the problem I guess. He was speculating that the lymph nodes grabbed onto the infection, trying to "help out" the immune system with fighting it. However, they ended up getting the infection inside and held onto it until they festered long enough to swell like crazy. He wouldn't be able to tell us for sure until they got the abscess cultures back.
Dr. A also said that they put a drain in again; however, this time it was just a tube, without a bag. It would leak out onto a gauze.
We got to pick her up then. It is always a wonderful feeling being able to scoop her up in my arms. This time she wasn't as swollen; but, she seemed to have a bit of a black eye. :(
The recovery was similar. She was sleepy for a long time and then she had a morphine fit. It was the same as last time, but lasted longer. My dad, Heath's sister and her boyfriend were the only ones around to witness it this time. I think they realized that we weren't exaggerating. Heath and I were better at witnessing it by now. However, it really bothered Lucy's Aunt Heather. Thank goodness once that one was over, Lucy didn't have any more. Now we knew that the morphine was to blame. Noted!
Dr. A came by to check on Lucy at about 10:30 pm. I knew I liked him. He actually took the time to stop by. :) Also, he called to check on her again close to midnight. I loved how much he cared.
Lucy was finally able to eat again and snacked on Aunt Nikki's pizza. We laughed, since Nikki was supposed to be taking the pizza home to Uncle Brian. That was, seriously, the only thing Lucy would eat.
We all settled in to sleep around 1 am. My dad and sister decided to stay with us. I know that it wasn't a good night's sleep for them; however, I loved having them there. I seriously loved it. I want to have family sleepovers all the time now! :) Plus, they kept me sane. We had a crazy, humming, taking to herself, nurse. She was an old woman and she had braided her pigtails into buns on top of her head. She moved like one hundred miles per hour and acted like she was on fire. I wanted to strangle her. She was not good with Lucy at all. It is very true that the nurse makes your experience. We had a different one every day and night.
The next day, my family left. We waited for Dr. A to stop by again. Lucy would go home today - already! That was alright with us. Dr. A talked again about how "nasty" it was and said that once he made the incision it was like a volcano of puss. Gross. That sure does put it into perspective though. Heath and I wondered if a lymph node didn't burst and that is what caused the swelling to go from little to a lot in such a short amount of time.
They showed us her incision, the drain, and how to change the dressing. We then packed up to leave, via radio-flyer.
We would visit the doctor again the following week. In the meantime, we had to keep an eye on that drain tube.
- To Be Continued -
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