8.31.2008
Packing up to evacuate...
Ok, last night we were both in agreement to leave together. Now, Ben is downplaying it, because the forcast indicates the hurricane is going to hit the Louisiana coast. I am still frazzled because I remember the pictures and the news footage of those who were stuck in Katrina. I remember coming back to my house ravaged and seeing the big "X" on people's homeswith numbers indicating people found in their homes- dead. I remember counseling people going thru the aftermath well after a year later. So, NO, I don't want to be here again...but now, with children there's an added element to it.
Well, as of this morning, Ben has chosen to stay. We are going to Gilbertown, AL with my mother. My SIL (brother's wife), her family lives there, and offered us a place to stay after Katrina. So, we are taking her up on it! The hotels are booked so far away. I found hotels in Albany, GA that had availability and would take our pets. Since Ben is staying, the animals will stay with him. If he decides to leave, we may meet up with him at that point.
What's ironic? Not really, but today is our anniversary...the seventh anniversary. Our 4th yr anniversary, we were in Louisiana watching Katrina and what devastation she left behind...
(picture above: this is what I had planned to go with us. not sure how much i will get in the suburban alone. i was planning on ben going and using the back of his truck with some tarps. maybe he will change his mind...still have a few more things to check off on the packing list. why so much? we didn't plan for Katrina and lost about everything; this time, i have 3 additional bodies to clothe, and one bin is full of pics, and then my sister's picture and some scrapbook junk. ok, maybe the scrapbook stuff could stay...)
8.30.2008
A poem: Gustav
This is a poem written by my boss; she is very creative. I thought I'd share with you. Please pray for those of us on the Gulf Coast who are about to experience Gustav.
Gustav comes with gusto--
Anything but a friend--
He creates turmoil and chaos
As he makes water and breaks wind.
Ah, Gustav, the man of mystery,
Will not make his intentions clear.
He flexes his muscles and everyone flees;
He provokes anxiety and fear.
Southerners call him 'Goosed off'
More like a verb than a noun--
Southern hospitality is gone with the wind--
He's unwelcome in every town.
What will be the fate of Gustav
And the fate of all in his path?
Will he cause destruction all around?
Will we succomb to his wrath?
Let's start a charm school for hurricanes
To teach them manners and tact.
No more breaking wind and wetting others--
Teach them the proper way to act.
Written by B. Cubley
Gustav comes with gusto--
Anything but a friend--
He creates turmoil and chaos
As he makes water and breaks wind.
Ah, Gustav, the man of mystery,
Will not make his intentions clear.
He flexes his muscles and everyone flees;
He provokes anxiety and fear.
Southerners call him 'Goosed off'
More like a verb than a noun--
Southern hospitality is gone with the wind--
He's unwelcome in every town.
What will be the fate of Gustav
And the fate of all in his path?
Will he cause destruction all around?
Will we succomb to his wrath?
Let's start a charm school for hurricanes
To teach them manners and tact.
No more breaking wind and wetting others--
Teach them the proper way to act.
Written by B. Cubley
8.27.2008
Tatiana's video and prayer for her teacher:
Mrs. Forehand, we hope you are feeling better soon!
Please let us know if we can do anything for you!
We love you! Hurry back to OLE!
Gustav-- staff of the gods
Ok, so I think I am having a little anxiety... I don't want to go thru ANOTHER hurricane! I like to plan. I told Ben last night that we needed to make a plan and asked where we should go. For Katrina, we went to my grandparents and then was stuck for weeks because we couldn't get thru because trees down and roadblocks by the military. We are in a flood zone and had about 4 foot of water with Katrina. I am not ready to go through that again.
Another factor causing anxiety includes the question of the mandatory list for people to stay at the hospital...am I on that list? I don't know! We have our mandatory staff meeting tomorrow and will find out then. If we are on the list and do not show up 24 hours before landfall, we are terminated! I don't want to be without my children. I couldn't stand that thought. So, I'm freakin' or I was... I talked with a sister on the phone who reminded me that God was in charge and he could make the storm dissipate into nothing if he chose and whatever he chooses, he's still God. I don't think I would be an effective crisis counselor if I were asked to remain, especially being separated from my children. Wow! So, pray not that the storm goes somewhere else, because I don't want it to hurt anyone else, but just disappear...OR that I'm not on the list! (If we are required to stay, our families are not allowed to stay with us.)
Jenn, I have no idea how you handle these storms in FL!!!!
Another factor causing anxiety includes the question of the mandatory list for people to stay at the hospital...am I on that list? I don't know! We have our mandatory staff meeting tomorrow and will find out then. If we are on the list and do not show up 24 hours before landfall, we are terminated! I don't want to be without my children. I couldn't stand that thought. So, I'm freakin' or I was... I talked with a sister on the phone who reminded me that God was in charge and he could make the storm dissipate into nothing if he chose and whatever he chooses, he's still God. I don't think I would be an effective crisis counselor if I were asked to remain, especially being separated from my children. Wow! So, pray not that the storm goes somewhere else, because I don't want it to hurt anyone else, but just disappear...OR that I'm not on the list! (If we are required to stay, our families are not allowed to stay with us.)
Jenn, I have no idea how you handle these storms in FL!!!!
8.26.2008
8.21.2008
Muchas Gracias, Dr. D!
I've talked before about "God-connections" and I'm a real believer that God allows our lives to intersect others for specific reasons... for the big things and the little things... even like getting into the pediatrician of your choice!!!
Most of you know that I work with our Crisis team in the Emergency Dpt of our local hospital. I am familiar with most of all the docs. Monday, when we visited the ED with Andrew, Dr. D. was our assigned physician. As I mentioned in a previous post, he ordered an EEG and follow up with our pediatrician. Today, he approached me in the ED and asked about Andrew. How sweet!
Well, I told him of my dilemma with this certain doctor and my desire about getting in with Dr. J or Dr. M who happen to be right across the street from the hospital! I told him about this "Common Courtesy Contract" and even, he said that didn't make sense...that you should be able to see whatever doctor ya wanted. I asked him if he could do me a "favor" or "work his magic"--- Thank you, Jesus, for favor! He got us in! Waahoo!
He said he knew all of those doctors and he immediately had Dr. M paged, and explained the situation. Dr. M agreed to see us and said that we should be able to choose whatever doctor we wanted to see! Boo-yah!!! Yes!
God is good...this reminded me of the Scripture, Col 3.17, "And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..." That even when my job is taxing to look at it as an opportunity to serve others, to serve the community, the patients, and the hospital, doing the best I can whether at 4 o'clock in the afternoon or 2 am! BECAUSE, everything we do is a testimony of who we are! And sometimes, it is because of WHO WE ARE that we are awarded special favors--like that of which I received today!!!
Ya'll I am so grateful! When Dr. D said it was taken care of today, I felt such a huge relief...wow! I'm gonna think of some neat little basket of goodies to give him to show our appreciation!
Most of you know that I work with our Crisis team in the Emergency Dpt of our local hospital. I am familiar with most of all the docs. Monday, when we visited the ED with Andrew, Dr. D. was our assigned physician. As I mentioned in a previous post, he ordered an EEG and follow up with our pediatrician. Today, he approached me in the ED and asked about Andrew. How sweet!
Well, I told him of my dilemma with this certain doctor and my desire about getting in with Dr. J or Dr. M who happen to be right across the street from the hospital! I told him about this "Common Courtesy Contract" and even, he said that didn't make sense...that you should be able to see whatever doctor ya wanted. I asked him if he could do me a "favor" or "work his magic"--- Thank you, Jesus, for favor! He got us in! Waahoo!
He said he knew all of those doctors and he immediately had Dr. M paged, and explained the situation. Dr. M agreed to see us and said that we should be able to choose whatever doctor we wanted to see! Boo-yah!!! Yes!
God is good...this reminded me of the Scripture, Col 3.17, "And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus..." That even when my job is taxing to look at it as an opportunity to serve others, to serve the community, the patients, and the hospital, doing the best I can whether at 4 o'clock in the afternoon or 2 am! BECAUSE, everything we do is a testimony of who we are! And sometimes, it is because of WHO WE ARE that we are awarded special favors--like that of which I received today!!!
Ya'll I am so grateful! When Dr. D said it was taken care of today, I felt such a huge relief...wow! I'm gonna think of some neat little basket of goodies to give him to show our appreciation!
No news regarding the EEG...
at this point... When he had the EEG done, they said it would be a couple of days before the doctor would have it read, and then they would send the results to our pediatrician.
We have wanted to change pediatricians, but have not until this point looked into switching. There are several concerns that I have with the current doctor including misdiagnoses of friends' children and having to call them several times to find out if approved for refills or suggestions for allergy meds OTC.
Anyways, the deal is we have TWO pediatrician clinics in our town. The other has a really good reputation, BUT they have signed a "Common Courtesy Agreement" with our doctor saying they will NOT accept any patients who have EVER seen her! So, what does that mean...I'm either stuck with seeing her or have to drive 20-25 minutes to find a pediatrician!
I'm almost livid about this...this seems so wrong! The only reason I chose this pediatrician was only to use her initially, because she was bilingual. The children now are totally english speaking! ARgh!
Anyways, the new ped appt is for Monday. It will be at that time when the new doctor will call the hospital and find out the results. I will let everyone know then.
THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGING WORDS AND PRAYERS FOR ANDREW! He is acting totally normal now...my prayer is that he was just REALLY sleepy! and the commotion when awakened frightened him...
Thank you again for all the support!
We have wanted to change pediatricians, but have not until this point looked into switching. There are several concerns that I have with the current doctor including misdiagnoses of friends' children and having to call them several times to find out if approved for refills or suggestions for allergy meds OTC.
Anyways, the deal is we have TWO pediatrician clinics in our town. The other has a really good reputation, BUT they have signed a "Common Courtesy Agreement" with our doctor saying they will NOT accept any patients who have EVER seen her! So, what does that mean...I'm either stuck with seeing her or have to drive 20-25 minutes to find a pediatrician!
I'm almost livid about this...this seems so wrong! The only reason I chose this pediatrician was only to use her initially, because she was bilingual. The children now are totally english speaking! ARgh!
Anyways, the new ped appt is for Monday. It will be at that time when the new doctor will call the hospital and find out the results. I will let everyone know then.
THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGING WORDS AND PRAYERS FOR ANDREW! He is acting totally normal now...my prayer is that he was just REALLY sleepy! and the commotion when awakened frightened him...
Thank you again for all the support!
8.20.2008
tu no feo
this was a phrase we often heard while in Colombia with the kiddos. andrew and tatiana would say that often to ben and i when they were being disciplined. tonight, andrew had a major meltdown. it began with a whine about not wanting to do his homework; then, it worked into a few screams, refusing to follow directions or comply with mami's request; sheesh, it lasted about 15-20 mins!
after he calmed down, i tried to explain to him what his consequences for his negative behavior was and reminded him of what he used to say to mami and papi, "tu no feo" ... do not be ugly! obey Mami; follow directions, mami loves you mucho. he seemed to understand...and did calm down and went to sleep easily. he did not finish his spelling words tonight, but will complete them in the am without resistance, i hope!
after he calmed down, i tried to explain to him what his consequences for his negative behavior was and reminded him of what he used to say to mami and papi, "tu no feo" ... do not be ugly! obey Mami; follow directions, mami loves you mucho. he seemed to understand...and did calm down and went to sleep easily. he did not finish his spelling words tonight, but will complete them in the am without resistance, i hope!
"As a mother my job is to take care of the possible, and trust God with the impossible."
-Ruth Graham Bell
8.18.2008
Scary Mami-Moments...
Today, Ben called...
"The school called. There's been an emergency. Andrew fell asleep, and he's unresponsive...they are calling the ambulance."
You can imagine what went thru my mind...I went to the ED to wait for the ambulance; it seemed like for-ever! Unresponsive--what does that mean? Is he breathing? a pulse? eye movement? What's taking so long!!!! Could he have gotten into any medicine? He was fine this morning...what if he dies?
I remember getting a similar call from my brother nearly two years ago when my sister died. So my mind was flooded with all the events that went on this morning and all the things that I wish I would have done or not done in the small amount of time that we've known Andrew as our own.
Many scary Mami-moments...and then finally, the ambulance arrives. Andrew appears dazed. Alert, yet not verbally responsive...at last he speaks as the doctor sends him to have a CT Scan to rule out in abnormalities in his brain. He also ordered blood work.
The tests all came back normal. The doctor has also ordered an EEG to be done to determine if the cause of today's "unresponsive episode" was due to an "atypical seizure." We go tomorrow for that.
My prayer is that he was overly exhausted from our visit from our cousins last night and just zonked in Spanish class today. He generally is easy to arouse, but last night did not get into bed until b/w 9 - 930p. (We have been trying to put them in bed between 7 -730 on school nights!)
We will know more later this week. Much appreciation to those who will join with us in prayer of good health over all of our children. Sometimes, things go so well, we forget or neglect to pray for health and mental wellbeing, purity, and safe keeping...etc. Thanks in advance!
8.17.2008
A Visit from Emma & Noah, Our Cousins!
It was great to see Kim again! Great pic to send to Nana & Papaw!
I wonder how long will it take to get all their grandchildren in one place?
Emma & AndrewEmma is such a cutie!!! Gotta love her smile!
You can tell she's taken a few photographs!
She knows how to pose!
My cousin, Kimberly. She is a RN; military veteran, too! Married and living right outside of DC.
We went to Cracker Barrel and ate together. Sorry, Noah, I cut your head off in this pic, but it was the best shot of the bunch.
The princesses-- Tatiana and Emma! Aren't they dolls?
Kimberly and Roman dropped by on their trip to Florida bringing Emma and Noah. We were excited to see them. Kim and I were talking and we figured it had been nearly seven years since we've seen each other! Wow! And boy, have the kids grown! I have seen them before when they were with Aunt Marilyn, but again, that was many years ago. And, our children have never been introduced other than pics! So, it was neat... here are a few fun pics!
Noah & Andrew
They had fun playing with the umbrellas Beamie had gotten the kids. Poor Diego- he was so rough with his that it is all bent out of shape!
Thanks for stopping by guys! Hope you have a safe trip!
It's her birthday! It's her birthday!
She's FIVE!
To celebrate Tatiana's birthday, we went to Gulf Shores, AL. We stayed in a hotel with intentions of going to the beach on Saturday, but it rained. We played in the pool at the hotel (inside pool) and went to LULU's!!! (Finally, Jen B. we got to experience it!) Ben left last night to come home to make church this am; and, I brought the children back later this am.
It was neat to see Tatiana open up her presents. She just got a few; three from Ben and I and one from each of the boys, and then Beamie got her some p- yayas! (pajamas). The boys were sitting on the other bed and clapping each time she opened a present. That was neat!
Tatiana's phrase of the weekend, "Mami, me no more four..."
Many blessings to you our Colombian Princesa!
8.12.2008
Disappointing...
Do you realize one whole week went by and we haven't found any new states to wave the banner for Isaac Diego and his family??? How did we let this happen? We only need 16 more! Can you out there in blog-land help me? Please, let's do this together! Sheila D. from PA is working on Massachusetts... that leaves just 15 more!
Sherri, Isaac's mom, leaves great posts on her blog describing the challenges they face from day to day. As strangers, we may be limited by time, geography, money and so much more, BUT we serve a God who has NO limits, and YOUR prayer would mean so much to them, to me, and to God.
Please take time today and click on their blog and read some of what Sherri has written from her heart, and ask God to move on their behalf, that men and women be drawn to their story, and healing miracles over Isaac be made manifest. May you be eternally blessed this day!
www.allglorybetogod.blogspot.com
Happy Tuesday!
Sherri, Isaac's mom, leaves great posts on her blog describing the challenges they face from day to day. As strangers, we may be limited by time, geography, money and so much more, BUT we serve a God who has NO limits, and YOUR prayer would mean so much to them, to me, and to God.
Please take time today and click on their blog and read some of what Sherri has written from her heart, and ask God to move on their behalf, that men and women be drawn to their story, and healing miracles over Isaac be made manifest. May you be eternally blessed this day!
www.allglorybetogod.blogspot.com
Happy Tuesday!
8.09.2008
Much Better! Thanks, Sara for the Bunk Beds!
Yes! Much better! More room! We have signed up with a group online called Freecycle where people in the community share their unwanted junk or stuff that's really not junk, but unwanted...to others who need it! I'm sure you've heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."
Well, we've been talking about bunk beds for a while now. Everywhere I look, the price is astronomical! Like $700+. So, I've been waiting...and was blessed today to pick up a blue metal framed bunk bed. It's great! And the boys love it! It doesn't have a guard on the top bunk, so Ben is going to make one.
We've already got new sheets and the beds are made and the boys are trying them out. Diego totally understands that he is not to get on the top. And Andrew says he understands about not leaning over or jumping around on his bed or from his bed. I'm not sure how long the boys will want bunks, but for now, it works, and they have more room to play!
Thanks again, Sara for the bunk beds!
Notes from the Teacher:
August 7, 2008 (Second Day of School)
...Tatiana finaly talked in class, they got to use their crayons today and then they learned how to "share" and listen and she drew a picture of her mom! I cant belive she is only 4 she seems so much older!!! I had forgotten she hasnt had her birthday yet... It was cute when we were getting ready to go home tatiana said me and andrew are going with dad and i said ohh u call papi dad now and she said yes and then andrew said look mrs forehand theres my dad, and it was so strange, andrews english is so awesome. also, whenever we would walk past andrews class tatiana would say "wheres my andrew?" and then would wave at him when she would find him. they haven't learned yet to not look in peoples doors so its really funny watching all my kids try to find people. i will write you tommrow and let u know about all the adventures we have!
Stormi forehand
August 6, 2008 (First Day of School)
Tatiana was so shy today! She seemed so scared all day, I could not get her to smile! But she finaly talked when she was going home and said "bye forehand!" and finaly smiled... It was so cute when we would see Andrew in the hall, he had to tell me Tatiana was his sister and she was at school with him. He also had to tell me Beamie would pick her up becasue she was a car rider; he was such an awesome big brother- he waved at her all day and she would get happy to see him... I willl try to get Tatiana to talk, she would only nod her head today but she was so well behaved!!!! She was always in her spot and always listened! See you guys tommow!
Mrs. Forehand
I promise I won't post every note...but I am a proud mama! And Diego, he too, is doing great with Beamie. He is writing, and even doing artwork as I have mentioned in a previous post. Mrs. Forehand has really spoiled us...We haven't heard a peep from Andrew's teacher. Since Friday was just Day 3, I will wait til next week to send a letter to get the status on what's going on, etc. I am disappointed in the lack of communication...maybe it was just the first week of school though. Again, I am blessed to have Mrs. Forehand teaching Tatiana! Mrs. Forehand, You rock!
(PS. We are really trying hard for the "Parent of the Year" Award!!! Any tips appreciated!)
...Tatiana finaly talked in class, they got to use their crayons today and then they learned how to "share" and listen and she drew a picture of her mom! I cant belive she is only 4 she seems so much older!!! I had forgotten she hasnt had her birthday yet... It was cute when we were getting ready to go home tatiana said me and andrew are going with dad and i said ohh u call papi dad now and she said yes and then andrew said look mrs forehand theres my dad, and it was so strange, andrews english is so awesome. also, whenever we would walk past andrews class tatiana would say "wheres my andrew?" and then would wave at him when she would find him. they haven't learned yet to not look in peoples doors so its really funny watching all my kids try to find people. i will write you tommrow and let u know about all the adventures we have!
Stormi forehand
August 6, 2008 (First Day of School)
Tatiana was so shy today! She seemed so scared all day, I could not get her to smile! But she finaly talked when she was going home and said "bye forehand!" and finaly smiled... It was so cute when we would see Andrew in the hall, he had to tell me Tatiana was his sister and she was at school with him. He also had to tell me Beamie would pick her up becasue she was a car rider; he was such an awesome big brother- he waved at her all day and she would get happy to see him... I willl try to get Tatiana to talk, she would only nod her head today but she was so well behaved!!!! She was always in her spot and always listened! See you guys tommow!
Mrs. Forehand
I promise I won't post every note...but I am a proud mama! And Diego, he too, is doing great with Beamie. He is writing, and even doing artwork as I have mentioned in a previous post. Mrs. Forehand has really spoiled us...We haven't heard a peep from Andrew's teacher. Since Friday was just Day 3, I will wait til next week to send a letter to get the status on what's going on, etc. I am disappointed in the lack of communication...maybe it was just the first week of school though. Again, I am blessed to have Mrs. Forehand teaching Tatiana! Mrs. Forehand, You rock!
(PS. We are really trying hard for the "Parent of the Year" Award!!! Any tips appreciated!)
"How old do you think Mami is?"
Last night at dinner, Ben asked Andrew how old did he think Mami was as the conversation loomed around pending birthdays...
His response, "1OO!"
Mine, "What!" "How old do you think Papi is?"
"Ah...103!" He said with a smile!
Sometimes, I feel old! but not that old!
Next week, we will be celebrating Tatiana's fifth birthday on August 15th; Ben's birthday is the 19th, and our 7th year anniversary is on the 31st...so, lots of little celebrations... and with that you can be sure more pics, too!
His response, "1OO!"
Mine, "What!" "How old do you think Papi is?"
"Ah...103!" He said with a smile!
Sometimes, I feel old! but not that old!
Next week, we will be celebrating Tatiana's fifth birthday on August 15th; Ben's birthday is the 19th, and our 7th year anniversary is on the 31st...so, lots of little celebrations... and with that you can be sure more pics, too!
8.07.2008
Have you heard of "SupperStarter.com"
My friend from High School has designed a website and business for busy moms like us for Supper time! She is offering a month free subscription to recipes, shopping lists, and more! I've signed up! Anything to help shave off some time that I could spend with the kiddos and eat a little healthier...here is the email she sent to me earlier. I also received an email from her stating I could share this great deal with my blogging buddies as well!
"Hello, all.
I would like to extend a personal invitation to you, my friends and family, to check out SupperStarter.com. Today Donnie and I launched SupperStarter.com, an online menu planning service for busy parents and working professionals. We have been hard at work developing copy and designing the site for over a year now.
I am excited to offer you one month's subscription free of charge. Just click on the link below or copy and paste into your browser's address field.http://www.supperstarter.com/members/signup.php?e=T
In return I am asking that you forward this one time offer to anyone you think might be interested. Let us know what you think. You will be the first to provide feedback before we launch nationwide.
Sarah"
"Hello, all.
I would like to extend a personal invitation to you, my friends and family, to check out SupperStarter.com. Today Donnie and I launched SupperStarter.com, an online menu planning service for busy parents and working professionals. We have been hard at work developing copy and designing the site for over a year now.
I am excited to offer you one month's subscription free of charge. Just click on the link below or copy and paste into your browser's address field.http://www.supperstarter.com/members/signup.php?e=T
In return I am asking that you forward this one time offer to anyone you think might be interested. Let us know what you think. You will be the first to provide feedback before we launch nationwide.
Sarah"
8.06.2008
Tatiana's First Day of School/Andrew in First Grade
Today was the day! Tatiana was so excited! Such a big girl! Andrew was just as excited to show Tatiana their school! He is a great big brother! Diego of course, could not be left out! He will start school with Beamie! His book bag is full of workbooks, crayons, markers, and glue! When I came home, he had made a beautiful piece of art work that I will include in my scrapbook. He was so proud. I will have to add a picture of that soon!
8.03.2008
According to the growth chart...
Diego has grown almost an inch and a half since Jan '08, the growth chart indicates he now is 38"--Wow! Maybe it's true that the salad really does make ya grow!!!
Andrew has grown about 3/4" since Mar/April this year. He is now about 43" tall! When we first came home, he was only 39" tall! He has grown 4 inches this past year!
Tatiana is also 43" tall! According to the growth chart, she has grown about 2.5 inches since her last birthday (August 15th!), and about 4.25" since we've returned home from Colombia! This girl loves her salad! From other Colombian friends, they say, "She is tall for Colombian."
So, maybe there is something to the growing pains theory...
Small note: Andrew asked Papi if he could sleep in Mami and Papi's bed tonight. Papi said, "Why?" Andrew said, "Andrew say me feet hurt; Andrew sleep in Papi's bed?" We laughed! That's what Diego did last night!
Andrew has grown about 3/4" since Mar/April this year. He is now about 43" tall! When we first came home, he was only 39" tall! He has grown 4 inches this past year!
Tatiana is also 43" tall! According to the growth chart, she has grown about 2.5 inches since her last birthday (August 15th!), and about 4.25" since we've returned home from Colombia! This girl loves her salad! From other Colombian friends, they say, "She is tall for Colombian."
So, maybe there is something to the growing pains theory...
Small note: Andrew asked Papi if he could sleep in Mami and Papi's bed tonight. Papi said, "Why?" Andrew said, "Andrew say me feet hurt; Andrew sleep in Papi's bed?" We laughed! That's what Diego did last night!
Growing Pains...do they really exist?
For months, Tatiana and Diego have been complaining at night that their feet hurt... and Tatiana has also been complaining her legs also hurt. Initially, we thought this was just a way to procrastinate from going to bed, because this usually seems to be when the cries would begin. We didn't just want to medicate them each night, especially if it were attention seeking... We didn't know! But medicine, ALWAYS, seemed to make it better! Well, we had a bottle of prune juice in the back of the fridge; and one night, we used prune juice as our natural remedy... Tatiana didn't complain and it even helped her feet feel better! So, is it legit? Are there really things called Growing Pains? Yes!
The following info came from: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/growing_pains.html
"Your 8-year-old son wakes up crying in the night complaining that his legs are throbbing. You rub them and soothe him as much as you can, but you're uncertain about whether to give him any medication or take him to the doctor.
Sound familiar? Your child is probably experiencing growing pains, a normal occurrence in about 25% to 40% of children. They generally strike during two periods: in early childhood, among 3- to 5-year-olds, and later on, in 8- to 12-year-olds.
What Causes Them?
No firm evidence shows that the growth of bones causes pain. The most likely causes are the aches and discomforts resulting from the jumping, climbing, and running that active kids do during the day. The pains can occur after a child has had a particularly athletic day.
Signs and Symptoms
Growing pains always concentrate in the muscles, rather than the joints. Most kids report pains in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees. Whereas joints affected by more serious diseases are swollen, red, tender, or warm, the joints of kids experiencing growing pains appear normal.
Although growing pains often strike in late afternoon or early evening before bed, pain can sometimes wake a slumbering child. The intensity of the pain varies from child to child, and most kids don't experience the pains every day.
Helping Your Child
Some things that may help alleviate the pain include:
massaging the area
stretching
placing a heating pad on the area
giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Never give aspirin to a child under 12 due to its association with Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.)
When to Call the Doctor
Alert your doctor if any of the following symptoms occur with your child's pain:
persistent pain, pain in the morning, or swelling or redness in one particular area or joint
pain associated with a particular injury
fever
limping
unusual rashes
loss of appetite
weakness
tiredness
uncharacteristic behavior
These signs are not due to growing pains and should be evaluated by the doctor.
Although growing pains often point to no serious illness, they can be upsetting to a child — or a parent. Because a child seems completely cured of the aches in the morning, parents sometimes suspect that the child faked the pains. However, this usually is not the case. Support and reassurance that growing pains will pass as kids grow up can help them relax. (This was our case!)
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
The following info came from: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/growing_pains.html
"Your 8-year-old son wakes up crying in the night complaining that his legs are throbbing. You rub them and soothe him as much as you can, but you're uncertain about whether to give him any medication or take him to the doctor.
Sound familiar? Your child is probably experiencing growing pains, a normal occurrence in about 25% to 40% of children. They generally strike during two periods: in early childhood, among 3- to 5-year-olds, and later on, in 8- to 12-year-olds.
What Causes Them?
No firm evidence shows that the growth of bones causes pain. The most likely causes are the aches and discomforts resulting from the jumping, climbing, and running that active kids do during the day. The pains can occur after a child has had a particularly athletic day.
Signs and Symptoms
Growing pains always concentrate in the muscles, rather than the joints. Most kids report pains in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees. Whereas joints affected by more serious diseases are swollen, red, tender, or warm, the joints of kids experiencing growing pains appear normal.
Although growing pains often strike in late afternoon or early evening before bed, pain can sometimes wake a slumbering child. The intensity of the pain varies from child to child, and most kids don't experience the pains every day.
Helping Your Child
Some things that may help alleviate the pain include:
massaging the area
stretching
placing a heating pad on the area
giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Never give aspirin to a child under 12 due to its association with Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.)
When to Call the Doctor
Alert your doctor if any of the following symptoms occur with your child's pain:
persistent pain, pain in the morning, or swelling or redness in one particular area or joint
pain associated with a particular injury
fever
limping
unusual rashes
loss of appetite
weakness
tiredness
uncharacteristic behavior
These signs are not due to growing pains and should be evaluated by the doctor.
Although growing pains often point to no serious illness, they can be upsetting to a child — or a parent. Because a child seems completely cured of the aches in the morning, parents sometimes suspect that the child faked the pains. However, this usually is not the case. Support and reassurance that growing pains will pass as kids grow up can help them relax. (This was our case!)
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
At last! It's in the mail!
Our FINAL post placement report! Almost two months late, but nevertheless, it's in route! Waahoo!It was actually a year on June 4th this year; it's has been an exciting journey, and we are falling more in love with them every day! They have blessed us beyond what we could imagine...
8.02.2008
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