Oprah on ebay!

Wow! I would love to own something from Oprah. I have 26 Oprah's on DVR and tonight I decided to put one on while blogging and catching up on email, facebook, etc. I opted for the newest and on Friday Live she said she cleaned out her closet and is putting up her own things on ebay. Is it fate?

It begins March 1st at 11AM EST. I doubt I will really afford anything, but I will at least window shop......

She doesn't share my shoe size which was my first hope, but maybe I can find a pair for my sis!

Check it out!

Oops!

Where did February go? I am just behind in my life! This month I paid a few bills late and on Friday I realized I had to take the Honda in for emissions and safety check in order to get the new license plate sticker (I have been ticketed with our car parked in front of our house for not putting the new sticker on in time in the past). We went on Friday at 4PM ......Ella (in her steroid craziness ran all over the place). I am a procrastinator, but missing the boat like this just isn't me!

I also missed many birthdays, anniversaries, etc this month and I pride myself on remembering these things. Part of the problem is that my life is run by my Palm Pilot. Sadly, I lost 4 years of my life and many of those important things and I am still feeling the negative effects. I also bought a new computer, but haven't taken the time to install Palm Desktop on my new computer....so I rarely pull it up for it to tell me what to do. I badly need my peripheral brain!

All in all, I am disappointed in myself and when I am done working the next 4 of 6 days (or shall I call it 2 weeks straight since last week was working more than full time with the sick munchkin) I will get it together!

My sincere apologies for missing the little (and big) special occasions this month!

I wish....

I wish I could watch the USA vs Canada hockey game tomorrow with my husband! He is such a hockey fan and it would be fun to enjoy the game with him. Go USA! Ella has learned to clap with joy when he says, "GO USA" --- it's adorable!

I am also glad he is home from Canada for many reasons......but I think the tension would have been a challenge for him. He said he got crazy looks while cheering for the "wrong" team in the hotel lobby and during lunch one day!

Watch if you can....for me!

Don't buy this!

During my quick grocery store run earlier this week I bought this yogurt. I will be soaking Ella and my clothes to get out the stains (the joys of opening yogurt at elevation). It is full of food coloring and doesn't even taste good. Next time I will just skip the yogurt if they are out of Yo Baby!

*** the color is even darker than appears

Can I go back to work now?

I know I've complained about how busy work is, but I'm ready to go back. Moms of multiple children --- how do you do it? I can barely handle one sick kiddo! I hear we've broken records as far as patient visits and I'm not sure how they are finding room for all the kiddos. When I called daycare yesterday they asked if Ella was in the hospital -- sounds like there are a ton of kids out sick and many hospitalized. The winter viruses have hit hard.

7 more hours until Joe touches down tonight and I am ready! My poor baby is just so miserable and it is so hard to try to figure out what she wants and I'm guessing she has no clue what she wants (except to feel better). She cycles through times of feeling good and it's so reassuring to see a glimpse of my little girl, but mostly she just feels like crap. I am trying to get her to drink, but eating has been out of the question for a few days and I'm thinking she won't regain her appetite until she's off steroids. I have made runs out for french fries and strawberry shakes to attempt to get her to eat something, but no luck. Grandma Dorothy stopped by with presents and food for us and Ella got other gifts in the mail. Both cheered her up!

It never fails, Nicky and Ella often get sick together and he has been itching like mad and I'm afraid the Golden Retriever allergies are setting in. I talked to his vet yesterday and he started a medication to try make him feel better.

Family has been great at skyping with us and everyone is attempting to find things that make her smile.

Here's a few pics --- I know the grandparents are in Ella withdrawal by now!

I promise I love it, I just don't feel good!

I got desperate and put together her activity table she got for Christmas -- she's still too little for it, but it entertained her. She can't quite sit on the stool so likes to push it around. She had fun putting her magnets on the board.

Miss America in training --- she cracks me up when she puts things around her neck (usually her clothes), but this ribbon is hilarious!

Excuse me Mom, I'm on a very important phone call!

** she looks sick and like a ragamuffin, but she wouldn't let me put anything in her hair (including pig tails)

Confession: I'm not good with pills

As a pharmacist you think I'd be very responsible in taking medication. Nope, more than once I've counted the pills in my bottle of antibiotics to see how many I've taken. I am horrible at taking pills 3 times a day!!!! It's just plain hard!

Single Mom - Day 1

Our morning started off a bit crazy. The good news is Ella wakes up every morning looking great. We all got up at 4AM for an albuterol treatment and she is accepting it well. In the middle of the night we try to let her sleep on Joe's shoulder while I hold it in her face and during the day she sits on my lap and watches a cartoon. Ideally we try to do 10 minutes, but if I can get 5-6 minutes in her I call it good.

Shortly after Joe's alarm, Ella was up and she ran around the house like mad and knew instantly Daddy was packing a suitcase! We did her albuterol while watching Sesame Street and then headed to my endodontist appointment (15 min consultation to make a plan) --- yesterday over the phone I told her I had to be out of the office by 9AM to take Joe to the airport and she promised me it wouldn't be an issue. Well.....at 8:55 I still hadn't been seen and opted to leave. Joe made it to the airport in time! I am frustrated I wasted all of our time, but you just can't predict a little old lady with 1000 questions.....just my luck and I'll go back next week and try again!

Ella and I ran to the grocery store. Dorothy offered to go for us (THANKS!), but I didn't really know what we needed beyond milk. I needed to walk through the aisles and pick some foods I can offer Ella --- she still isn't really eating. I finally got some pears and kielbasa in her last night!

It's hard that Joe travels for work, but I am so thankful he has a great job that he enjoys! I think between his travel and my crazy schedule we really learn to appreciate eachother. I was joking last weekend when my colleague was complaining about her husband that I have to get along with mine because I've done the single mom thing and it's not for me! It's not funny, but I really can't comprehend how single parents do it and I have a ton of respect for them!

All in all, I think Ella is getting better. Her cough is the worst part and I think if we just keep going with the nebs, steroids, and get her to drink I can keep her out of the hospital. Her cough is so bad --- she sounds like a little old man who smokes several packs a day! It's hard to believe such a noise can come out of such a little child!

She was never officially tested to determine which virus she has, but I think it's possible that it's human metapneumovirus with her symptoms (because this would explain her GI symptoms)and I know it's going around and putting many kids in the hospital. This is what my boss diagnosed her with over the phone yesterday! Knowledge and working in healthcare is not always a good thing when you have kids....it just makes me worry more!

Parenthood

I think this show looks awesome! I like so many of the actors and the previews have been hilarious!

The good and the bad

Ella was prescribed steroids today for the inflammation in her lungs.

The good - I think they are helping her --- this evening she looks the best I have seen her yet

The bad - she is still awake and currently reorganizing her room. I won't be able to find anything tomorrow, but she isn't crying and I'm not holding her, so this is good, I guess. She only took one nap today and didn't sleep much last night --- will she ever sleep again?

It's going to be a long week.

RSV bit us again.....

I'm done with healthcare professionals for a while....no good news anywhere for us today! My dentist took one look at my abcess and said, "nope, you need to go to an endodontist", but after my cleaning he still numbed me up and did an onlay and filling. My mouth is sore and I am so bummed I have to find time to get into an endodontist and now I'm on antibiotics.

When I dropped Ella off at daycare I saw the dreaded "we have had a case of RSV" sign and should have figured it was inevitable. She did fine at daycare this afternoon during my dentist appt, but only wanted to be held when Joe brought her home and by the time I got home after a few errands I knew she was sick. I called urgent care and got her an appointment (so awesome that they do appointments). They didn't do an official test, but after one look and good listen to her lungs, she was unofficially diagnosed with RSV and they felt the albuterol treatment opened up her lungs, so we are now the owners of a nebulizer and will be giving her treatments every 4 hours. The doctor said, "you don't have to wake her at night to do them.......but YOU have to get up and give her the treatment". Is she crazy, of course she will wake up and scream, and kick, and hit us.....it's so fun!

We'll follow up with her pediatrician tomorrow. RSV peaks at day 5 and I think we're only on day 1. Please pray we can ride this year out at home - the hospital is so full and miserable right now.

Wash your hands and try to stay healthy.......

The Dreaded Dentist....

It's my least favorite place to go and I know I am going to have some "work" done. I had planned on getting a few more onlays that I need (I wait to the new year to max out my insurance)....but I am having some pain and I am guessing I need a root canal in another spot. Bummer.....I am so dreading 2 o'clock this afternoon and by 2:30, it will really feel like "tooth hurty"!

My best friend in pharmacy school had a sister in dental school and I would always say how much I hated the dentist and she informed me that I should be nicer because the profession has the highest suicide rate because of people like me. I promise I am very kind to my dentist, but I still don't like pain and prodding my mouth! I can also credit Beth with my 2:30 funny! :-)

Lacrosse Lessons

Joe went to play lacrosse on Sunday afternoon so he must have gotten his bag out to make sure he had all his gear. Ella found his gloves and had some fun! I love looking at the camera on Monday morning after a weekend of working. They sure have fun together. Congrats to Joe - he scored 8 goals in his game on Sunday and I'm guessing he was one of the older guys.....and I know he was already getting sore last night.

Ella is small, but these 36 inch gloves quickly dwarf her! This morning Joe told me he got an email that lacrosse lessons start as young as 2 years.....so Ella will be enrolled next fall!

Well Said

Today I worked with a colleaque who I only work with if someone trades. She is great to work with and tonight I was super impressed with how she handled a situation. I could learn something from her!

There was something that needed to be done that was time consuming, challenging, and the student felt was uneccesary.

The conversation went something like this:

P: Will you move the drug X from place A to place B? (you get the point.....sort of right?)
S: Not really words, but you could see in his face, he wasn't interested
P: Oh, so you don't want to do it because it's hard and it will take time and it might make you cry.
S: Again, not really words.....but kind of feeling backed into a corner
P: It's OK, I know you don't want to do it and if it is going to be so hard it will make you cry, I would be happy to listen to you cry, but it needs to be done.
S: He left to go take care of it!

I was impressed. I can't describe it here fully, it was manerisms, voice infection, etc....she was amazing and the job was done and she looked like the nice person. I could have accomplished the same thing, but would have come off like a bitty!

I could learn from her!!!! I struggle with communication. I wish I could master the direct, yet kind and sort of funny, but I just don't see it happening!

Paybacks are.....

I was a true perfectionist as a child and I think Ella is showing signs of perfectionism. Joe was full of stories when I got home from work tonight. This one has me worried, but I find it entertaining at the same time.

Ella noticed a thread out of place on her sock and started pulling on it. Soon she was in a screaming fit and had to have the socks removed and then out of sight! They were hidden under the couch cushion when I got home and she was in her shoes without socks! Her attention to detail just blows me away and her level of patience is less than zero!

This story made me really miss our friends. It makes me sad that these incredible Daddies were both home with there little girls and the trouble they cause while the Mommies were at work. Miss Lauren has also had a rough week and I was off most of the week and could have offered up some help! Why can't we live in the same town? And I think I will pass out more keys to my house.....just in case, you never know when you need that friend that can buzz over in an emergency!!!!!!

Being a Mom

Ella has been very into hugs and kisses this week. I just can't get enough. Her smile, the twinkle in her eyes, the lean in with her head and the fact that she can now really hug with her arms and is understanding kisses. I LOVE IT and it is the best part of being a Mom.

It's killing me to get ready for work today and knowing that I will not really see her all weekend!

Happy (late) Valentine's Day!

Here are a few pics in some of the new duds Ella scored from her loving family! She is one lucky little girl!
We went out to lunch at Epic on Monday for lunch since I had to work all weekend
She is mighty good at opening gifts! Notice the cute hearts on her knees! The headband is hit or miss!

You'll never guess who got her this? Remember I had to work all weekend! He claims she "picked it out herself"!

She's lookin' pretty snazzy!

Another cute outfit and the doggy is from a boy --- do you think he really knows that dogs are her very favorite?

This is a beautiful dress but I put pants under it as we went for 2 walks outside today! She tried out the bean bag in Target on Monday and she was so cute in the aisle we just had to take it home.....suckers!

Thanks to everyone for thinking of her --- she is VERY loved by all and I think you all have great fashion sense and keep her looking so cute and it all fits (everything that was intended for now)! I hope this works although I know you all wish you could see her in person. Thank you! Will I ever have to shop for my little girl?

Board book?

Has anyone made a personalized board book? It took being a mom to understand the "board books" and Ella loves to read. Her current favorite books are the one I made from shutterfly of the first few weeks of her life and the Valentine book my mom sent her last year both featuring pics of baby Ella and family -- she sits so patiently and waits for me to tell her the story on every page.....but it's a paper book and she will DESTROY it if I let her read it on her own, so that can be a battle in itself sometimes! Lately she throws "Goodnight Moon" and demands one of these books......

In a quick search I found this one....but it's $35 + shipping I'm sure. Any advice or experience?

Utah's Link to the olympics

I saw this story on the news about how many olympians call Utah home. We do have a great place to train! The buzz around here is all about Salt Lake 2002 and I really hope that they can win a bid in the future and whether we still live here or not, I would LOVE to attend! How cool would it be to see the olympics on the mountains I ski!!!

Am I bad daycare Mom?

Joe picked Ella up from daycare today and when I got home I found Valentine gifts in her bag! Her teachers got a stuffed animal holding a heart and she got a box of chocolates from Teagan and a wrapped stuffed dog from Aiden. She's one and doesn't even eat candy. Today was her first day back to daycare in 2 weeks and I honestly never thought of Valentine's Day for her class.

Blog Friends, please give me a heads up for the next holiday so I don't look like such a crappy mom! I'm new at this and I just don't think about it!

I like this show!

The last thing I have time for is TV, but this show is so good! We watched the Hooters CEO last night. Have you seen it?

Maui Day 8 - Do we really have to say goodbye?

We packed up and headed to the aquarium. My plan was to spend 4-5 hours there and then find dinner and then to the airport.
Not worth our time (just over an hour) --- The Maui Ocean Center is a big flop!

Ella learned this face and will now it on command. She makes a circle with her lips and blows out her nose --- HILARIOUS!!!!

We headed up to Kanapali and we saw that gorgeous rainbow (the picture does it no justice)

After dropping my mom and alyssa at the airport (with tears) Joe, Ella, and I headed back to the condo for our luggage and I finally had a chance to catch the sunset while Ella was napping in the Jeep.

The waves were amazing! What beauty!

Goodbye Maui!

This is the last of my trip photos! I know it's a lot, but this blog is multi-purpose and journaling my vacations is a big part of it! I hope it wasn't too annoying and I hope all the family enjoyed seeing the pictures! Thanks again to my Mom and Alyssa for tagging along with us and helping and helping and helping whenever we needed and more. We could not have enjoyed Maui without your neverending help! Any offers for babysitters on our next trip (destination to be determined)?

Maui Day 7

It was our last full day on Maui --- so sad! What did I plan? NOTHING!!!!!!

Who needs toys?
Who's turn is it to chase Ella? She LOVED to run up and down and then to do the stairs.

The walk to the beach

We got out our lei's from the Luau and did a beach photo shoot with Ella. Her teeth were hurting and she hates the sun in her eyes, so no smiles, but still cute!

The $10 bottle of beer

Auntie Lyssie, please take me to see the kitties!

Ella was in bed, but not for long. She started crying and had to come out for some dancing and gold fish -- she was hilarious!