So that's why you're so fussy!

Today Avery ran fever pretty much all day, even though I was rotating Tylenol and Motrin every 3 hours, per Dr. K. She took a really long nap and I checked on her and she was burning up with fever, I took it and it registered 104.0. The highest fever she has ever had. I freaked out just a little bit, made a few phone calls, and decided to go the after hours clinic. We made it just as they were taking their last patients. Avery has an ear infection. Her first ear infection. She also has some upper respiratory stuff going on. The NP prescribed antibiotics, a shot of steriods, ear drops and to continue breathing treatments and Tylenol/Motrin every 3 hours. She is sleeping now but still burning up with fever and breathing really hard. 

I'm sure you've caught on that I haven't been a happy camper this week. I have been throwing a week long pity party. And I'm sorry. I am done with feeling sorry for us. We are blessed beyond belief. There are a thousand situations that could be worse than ours. So I'm going to put my big girl panties on and deal with it - all of it - daycare, sickness, guilt and all! And, as Charlie would say, "Everything always works out." It must be nice to be so simple minded!

We will still have a nice Easter tomorrow. I'm going to attempt to teach Avery how to put her eggs in the basket. And we will open her Easter baskets (I can't fit it all in one!) And we are having a wonderful Easter dinner - Chicken strips and Curly Q's, per my husband's request. I figure, why fight him on it, cooking a ham sounds like a lot more trouble! As always, God has worked it out for us - next week just happens to be the week my grandparents will be in town and my babysitter is on Spring Break. Avery will probably not be in daycare at all next week. 

Take time out to enjoy the holiday tomorrow, thank God for Easter and all that it means. Thank you Jesus for the sacrifice you made. Thank you to my faithful blog readers who read through my many griping sessions for the last week and left many sweet and encouraging comments.  Shame on me for not posting pictures, today just seems to have slipped away...pics of Easter Basket Opening tomorrow, I promise! I think it's our bedtime now....good night! :)

Plans Change...

If you know me well, you know that I am a planner. In fact, I am the planner of all planners. At work I have 3 lists: List A, B, and C. I plan what has to be done every day on list A, what should be done on list B and what would be great if I could get a chance to do on List C. On weekends, if we have a lot going on, I prefer to write down what should be done hour by hour. In recent years, I wasn't happy if everything didn't get done, or if everything didn't go as planned. But the last few years of life I've realized things really never go as planned. So I might as well get over it. And normally I do, especially at work lately with all of its craziness.

But this weekend we had fun plans. Easter Dinner with Charlie's family today at noon, and then an Easter Egg hunt with all the kids. A much needed hair appointment after that and then off to nonna and poppas to get ready for Easter. Sunday would be church, of course. Avery's first church debut since RSV season with a church family that loves her more than any other. And prays for her faithfully. In a beautiful, expensive, special, first Easter Dress. Afterwards a delicious dinner at nonna and poppa's house with pops and gran gran. Plans, plans and more plans.

Well, Avery has been sick now for a day or two. She ran fever all night even with Motrin, and woke up with fever. And after more Motrin, she is still running fever. And sneezing. And sniffling. And coughing. And has more snot that I've ever seen in my life. So, once again, plans have changed. Here we are, sitting around, Avery is snoozing. I have no Easter Dinner planned...guess I need to make a trip to Brookshire's. I really take it for granted that my mom always takes care of these things. So this Easter will be quiet. No family. No delicious dinner (although I will try my best). No Easter dress (unless I decide to put her in it just for kicks!) No church. Just resting with a sick baby. 

I guess there is one good thing - I have an excellent excuse to skip daycare next week.

Click here to see more pics at Biedenharn...taken by a  much better camera!

Somebody take me back to 1910!

Daycare, day 4. So, I finally got some sense knocked into me and robbed a bank!

Ok, I didn't but I realllly wanted to. Today was absolutely, positively the worst yet. A little after 10am Charlie calls with the daily daycare dropoff report. And Charlie is a man that very rarely, and I mean very, very rarely cries. And I could hear something in his voice that sounded like he could be close to tears. He said he dropped her off as they were going outside to hunt Easter Eggs. He handed her over and the usual meltdown occurred. He said his goodbyes and left. But when he was pulling out of the daycare he looked toward the playground and saw her, sitting in a corner of the playground, with her empty Easter Basket, bawling her eyes out, as the other kids hunted Easter eggs. And as I type it, even though I've told it to 22 people today, I still cry about it. So, as soon as I heard that I left work and went to get her sandwich tray for the party so I could check on her. I peeped in the room to see my little angel just squalling. I watched for a while and it just broke my heart. The guilt was unbearable. I stood in the hallway with tears streaming down my face, shaking my head like a crazy woman. I just kept thinking, "This is not right. This is not the way it's supposed to be. I HATE THIS!" 

I would like to rewind to 1910. I really would. I would rather not have the right to vote and be Susie Homemaker than watch my little girl react to being taken care of for hours each day by strangers. So, I'm sure all the feminists out there are highly upset with my take on life, but I blame you crazy bra burnin' women for all of my troubles! Dual income families STINK. God meant for us to birth babies and take care of them and our husbands. So that is where I am today. Mad at society. Mad at the daycare. Mad at the teacher. A little mad that Charlie isn't a doctor. Mainly mad at the feminists that got us into this 'equal' mess. Mad...mad....mad. But not as mad as Avery is because her daddy drops her off in a strange building with strange little people and strange big people who let her sit and cry.

We will give it one more week. If huge advancements aren't made next week we are moving on to Plan B. Oh, and I will make frequent drop ins without the requested phone call before I stop by. No more Mrs. Nice Mommy. I mean business!

Here are some more pics from yesterday, taken by Dewana and her very nice camera. And believe me, you can see a difference! The pics are causing me problems...they may end up above this post...ooops.

Pictures in the garden

Avery's friend Addison, from Texas, is in town this week and her mom thought it would be fun to get the girls together and go take pictures at a garden in town. I picked Avery up from day 3 at daycare. Today her little voice was hoarse, I assume from crying most of the day. She was sitting with the sitter, as usual, with the saddest little look on her face. So far, it isn't any easier and I'm not even the one dropping her off. I also realize that it could be much, much worse. Poor little Cam has a terrible Coxsackie virus and Stellan may need heart surgery. Our troubles are tiny compared to those, and I trust everyone who promises me each week will be easier.

So, off we went to the garden! A lot of the colorful flowers were gone but there were some beautiful tulips. Avery had a pretty good time considering she is teething (I can finally see the culprit), constipated, stressed out and needed a nap. At home Charlie let her sleep off and on all day, but at daycare they only take one nap, so she is exhausted by the time I pick her up! But we had fun and Avery even got a chance to walk on the grass. I remember that her physical therapist told me that after she starts walking we would try walking on different surfaces. So I was excited that she could walk great on the grass! Lol, I know that sounds so silly! I think maybe it's a preemie mom thing - every little accomplishment means so much!

Tomorrow Avery has an easter party with her class. I have to bring a sandwhich tray and a basket full of eggs filled with pre packaged candy. It took a lot of brainstorming to figure out what type of candy a one year old child won't choke on!  

Yeah...the rabbit ears didn't last long :)

She loves playing with Easter Eggs!

Enjoying a mum mum, compliments of Dewana!

Ahh....success! She finally got the prize that was in the egg!

She loves unloading anything - cabinets, dishwasher and of course...her Easter Basket!

Avery and Addy...not too sure about the grass!

Wow...we need to get out in the sun more...those white legs really are blinding me!

Wow...this is so much better than daycare!

What a cutie!

Daycare - Day 2

Day 2 was just as bad, or worse, than day 1. Charlie drops her off and he called me and told me he hated every second...usually he is pretty good at things like that, but this is even too much for him. I know I am lucky that I don't have to be the one to 'do the deed' but it still feels horrrrible. He said she clutched his shirt so hard and screamed bloody murder. I know that everyone says that she stops crying as soon as he leaves, except the daycare says that she cries off and on all day. And all I can think about is how miserable she must be. It makes it really hard to enjoy any part of my day at work.

Does anyone know a legitimate work from home company that would pay around $10 an hour? I could take a pay cut if we pulled her out of $120/week daycare.

Okay, so that is it - Day 2 and I am ready to quit my job. Maybe I should move to TX w/ you Dewana. Now I can completely understand your decision. I would move to Peru at this point.

Ughhhh.....

Not Me Monday

Well...I guess you could say "I'm baaaaaack"... back to Not Me Monday'ing again! Please go see MckMama's blog...Stellan needs your prayer.

1. I did not feel totally guilty all day long because Avery started daycare today. I did not keep thinking, "Something just isn't right about this. Where did I go wrong?"  Then I would think, "If I would've just graduated college first!" And quickly realize, #1 I did graduate with a mini degree - lol - and #2 - really that wouldn't have necessarily helped the situation.

2. I did not finally figure out what I should be thinking: "Why didn't I marry a doctor!?!" I did not quickly decide that was not the right option either, as the doctor would probably never be home, he would never make me laugh like Charlie can and of course, Avery wouldn't be Avery.... 

3. I did not consider for about 3 milliseconds, robbing a bank and wonder how long that would allow me to stay at home. CPS Disclaimer: I obviously do not actually plan on committing any type of crime.

4.  I did not forget an important ingredient in my spaghetti and make a very runny, soupy version. Avery did not thoroughly enjoy it anyway! I did not enjoy it as well, especially since I'm suppossed to be on Weight Watchers and spaghetti's points are off the chart (not to even mention the garlic bread and sweet tea...ooops?)

5. I did not admit to myself last week that I cannot possibly get everything done at work 100% of the time AND spend enough time with my precious family. I did not come to the conclusion that for 40 hours/week I will work as hard as possible, as quickly as possible, but when things go undone I will NOT feel obligated to work overtime!

6. I did not just write the most boring Not Me Monday ever because I am not consumed with thoughts of the dreadful daycare.

First Day of Daycare

The first day of daycare was rough as expected. When Charlie sat her down in her room she had a mini meltdown, so he sat and played with her but she wanted him to hold her. She had a meltdown when he left, of course, but they said she did okay during the day. I called a few times to check on her, almost hoping they'd tell me to come get her :) but they said she was fine. Mrs. Debbie said she played some and cried some. I also think she's teething, which doesn't help the situation! The handbook said no medication, but they said they would give her some teething tablets tomorrow. She is saying 'da-da' a lot today, and if this counts she said her first sentence: "Bye, bye da-da" He wasn't here so it wasn't with meaning, but she said it! We are going to meet Addison and Dewana for spring pictures at Biedenharn Garden on Wednesday, hopefully she will be in a good mood! I pray every day gets easier for all of us with this daycare stuff! This will be a short week for her because she gets to go to Nonna's on Friday - the daycare is closed for Easter. Thanks for the prayers - advice is welcome! :)

Catfish Festival

It's official. No more RSV Lockdown! And boy did we do it big!!! There were thousands of people for Avery to see at the Catfish Festival. It is a small town about an hour from where we live, so I didn't expect so many people. It was packed! But it was a beautiful weekend, with a nice breeze blowing most of the day. Charlie, Avery and I met up with nonna and poppa. We all got a little too much sun, but it was so nice to get out with Avery! We got our share of catfish, shrimp-on-a-stick, corndogs, lemonade and such! When we got there and were walking towards the line Avery was just squealing with happiness. She even got to meet the Easter Bunny - and she actually liked him! :) I guess she had never seen so many different people at once. She got a lot of new stuff, of course, and we are off to Target today for some 'school clothes shopping'! Wow! So many things are reminding me lately of how big she is getting. She really enjoys cartoons now - she loves Tom & Jerry! And she is completely caught up in clothes size - she wears 18 M clothes now. My tiny miracle is turning into a big girl! Hope everyone had a great weekend! Say a prayer for Avery, who starts daycare Monday. Here are some pics from the festival:

Avery & Poppa checking out the hot rods... 

Enjoying some juice on the way to the festival...

Charlie and his "dream car" which he insists is practical - that he would drop Avery off every day for daycare - in a muscle car - lol!

Taking a break...listening to the music with a snoozing baby...

What is this thing?

Nothing  beats a corndog and a lemonade!

Charlie wanted an LSU picture for his new office, and he found the perfect one. It was framed, just like the one below (minus the coin)...

So encouraged!

Charlie, Avery & I stopped by the daycare today. I wanted to drop off her things, the first weeks tuition and see how she acted with the other kids. I expected her to be very shy, and to cry when I sat her down. Umm...not even close! I sat her down and she squealed in delight at the other kiddos. She will be in a room with Mrs. Debbie until 3 and Mrs. Katie from 3-3:30 (when I pick her up). There will be 4 other children her age in the room with her. She loved looking at the other kids and immediately grabbed a toy and joined the fun. She smiled at the teachers and talked and walked around. It was better than I could've ever imagined it being. I even walked away from her for a few minutes and it didn't phase her. The building is very secure, we have to have a code to get in and the daycare comes highly recommended. It is at a church and it was one of our top 2 choices. It's about 5 minutes from work...absolutely perfect! Also, I thought Charlie would have to work 8-5 during training for up to 6 weeks, but his boss decided since he is a sup he will do on the job traning and come in at 11...I get off at 3:30...so she will basically go there, eat lunch, have a nap and afternoon snack and I'll be there to pick her up. I am so totally encouraged by the experience we had today and Charlie was impressed with the daycare as well. Please pray that when he drops her off Monday she will tolerate it well. Have a great weekend everyone, we'll be off to the Catfish Festival and I will take plenty of pics! :)

So...Today's the Day...

The Big Day. The Day I've looked forward to for 5 long, 5 verrrrry long months. Today is my day of freedom. Like the day you graduate for high school or move away to college. The Big Day. Obviously I'm not referring to silly ole' April Fool's Day. Wake up people! APRIL 1st MEANS THE END OF RSV SEASON. It means Avery can go to Target...and church...and out to eat and... ANYWHERE! (Except WalMart - what a dreadful, dirty place. She won't be going to WalMart anytime soon...I rank a good trip to WalMart like traveling to a third world country. Yuck!) I will say that today doesn't feel exactly the same, as I just finished the last breathing treatment of the day about an hour ago - and boy did she put up a fight. So, I guess when your child actually HAS rsv, the end of rsv season isn't as fabulous. In fact, just typing this blog is reminding me that I actually hired a babysitter so that Charlie and I could go to Quizno's and Steinmart today. lol. Wow. I guess it's time to readjust. We are planning on going to the Catfish Festival this weekend (lol, only in the deep south - i know) and maybe even church on Sunday. We are breaking free and it is about time. My new take on life is 'what the heck'. It used to be 'Better safe than sorry' but better safe meant never bringing Avery anywhere for 5 months and it was definitely SORRY that she still got RSV 3 times this year. So, Avery will attend a festival this weekend (weather permitting) with tons of germy people, I'm sure. And then we will attempt church - although I don't think we'll expose her to the nursery just yet. And on Monday...the most dreaded day of the year...Avery will start daycare. Which is basically like letting her crawl around on the floor at WalMart...for 5 hours every day. But I figure...what the heck?