Santa Clause

Last night I was looking for something. I couldn't find it anywhere. I asked Maci if she had seen it. She informed me that Santa Clause had taken it. I said Santa usually brings things not take them away. NO no no mom he gives the stuff to other people who need it. So there it is the elves can have some time off Santa is going to take things from people who don't need it and give to others. And goodness knows he could shop at our house for a lot of things. I know because I have been working on packing things up - Maci owns A LOT of books.

The book issues is mostly my fault. I don't really like to read the same books over and over. So I purchase a variety for our reading pleasure. However, we also use new books as reward. If you let the doctor stick you with all those allergy needles, we will go to the book store. I think it could be worse.

New Sayings

Maci has picked up a couple new sayings. "I love you so much" She says this repeatedly to you. I think this is great since she is on the steroids.

"Mom is the boss and I am the mom" She told this to the other kids at daycare this week. She did repeat it to me this week. I tried to explain that I was really the mom, but it really didn't work out for me.

"You are my best buddy" or "You are my best friend forever" She puts you into two different categories. I don't know which one is better. She told me Jeannie was her best friend forever. She thinks a lot of Jeannie, so I think that might be the higher class category.

Almost over the sickness

We have been home the last few days sick. We had one bad day and night. We made it all last night without oxygen, so we are on the mend. She should be ready to get back to the real world by Monday. She is on steroids so her mood sometimes could use some improvement. However, she has been pretty good considering the dose of steroid. She hasn't been eating much because she can't breathe. However, she request to make lots of things. She still wants to cook even if she doesn't eat much. She did eat most of a pancake this morning with Aunt Mary jam.

She has learned to bargain with M&M's. The medicine really smells bad and she says it taste bad. She actually shutters when she has to take it. A normal reward is 3 M&M's, but she has negotiated for 5 M&M's this week.

Aunt Amy & Uncle Paul we are watching Sesame Street at 7 a.m. & 9 a.m. Our DVD player broke so we can't watch the old episodes. However, it comes on 2 times in the morning. So we aren't missing out. I bet you wish you were here.

Parent Trap Obsession

Maci is obessed with the Halley Mills version of Parent Trap. She watches it as many times as you will let her in a row. She only gets to watch it on the weekends as it is at her grandparents house. Last night her grandpa called to make sure we knew it was on TCM. So of course she heard him say it so we watched it AGAIN!

Blog Pressure

As requested here is a blog entry. Last night we had Parents as Teachers come to our house. And this time Maci played with the finger paint and really got into it. We had been working with playdoh and various other messy things, but I didn't know how she would do with actually getting messy. She did play in the paint and then wipe her hands on the washcloth. BUT I think it is an improvement. She didn't make excuses and try to get away from the activity.

I have been neglecting my computer world. We settled on a house in Macon. Derek is super picky and I really had a long list of things I wanted. I did not get a good kitchen (except for nice cabinets) or a yard, but it is close to the hospital. It needs less work than most of the houses we were visiting. I am not excited about moving our stuff - the good thing is most of it is still packed up. I miss those days of when all your possessions would fit in your car. Derek is determined to move into the house as soon as possible. I think I was procrastinating the whole house thing because Maci cost me about a house payment in medical bills. Maybe I will be more excited when we are moved. Obviously, I am not real excited yet. BUT Maci is going to have her own room for all her toys and her new big girl bed.

Next on my list is getting pictures off the camera. I am not promising a quick turn around on that project. I have stuff everywhere getting ready to move, so camera cords maybe missing.

Only 10 more working days till vacation time!

Parenting Tip

I think there should be a book given out at the hospital on tips you should know. My latest parenting tip. KEEP all toy catalogs it is HOURS AND HOURS of FREE entertainment. I was going to throw it away thinking she would be asking for 40 things, but on the contrary she just flips though the pages. She loves just looking at the different things and asking what they do. She has worn a couple magazines out already.

Thumbs Up

The last couple weeks Maci has really been into thumbs up. She says thumbs up and then she presses your thumbs together. Tonight we had a 2 thumbs up night. She is learning to count items, so she combined the counting and the thumbs. Too bad she can't do messy stuff...

My Little Monk

So we had our visit from parents as teacher last night. The activities we worked on were all related to puzzles. She can match things up, but is not really good at lining the things up. We are going to work on that later. Then she wanted to do a messy activity. So she put shaving creme on a pan with some picture under the creme. Maci kept making up excuses to why she couldn't participate. Oh...I need to...put my baby away. Then, oh...I need to...feed the baby. She just kept making up excuses. It was kind of funny to me. So then Cara and I put our fingers in it and showed her how we could wipe it off on a towel. She tentatively put one finger in and quickly requested I wipe it off. So we need to work on our messy play! However, the whole time we kept asking her where was the duck, dog, or deer. She would point to the pile of creme without touching it. So she remembers things well.

After parents as teachers left, we tried on our Halloween outfit. She looks pretty cute in it. She loved modeling it. She kept telling me that she was a beneficial bug a.k.a. ladybug (my mother told her that this weekend.) I took some pictures, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise. I will post those soon.

Spanking Big Bucks

Last night on our way home we saw a big buck in the middle of the road. We checked it out and then continued on our way home. However, I forgot some medicine at my parents' house so we had to turn around. On our way back to the house the big buck ran into the side of our car. Maci and I sit on the same side. So I asked her did you see that big buck run into us? She responded "yes I am going to spank that big buck on the mouth. He needs to be careful!" He only grazed our car - dusted it off. BUT his antlers made quite the noise on my window.

Pedicure Anyone?

Last night Maci was in watching one of her many Disney movies. She usually watches about 10 minutes and then ventures out to play or help do whatever I am doing. However, last night I had washed all the dishes and finished cleaning the kitchen when I realized she hadn't ventured out. At first I was excited - wow maybe she is learning to entertain herself more...then I realized the danger in quietness. So I start heading to the bedroom, as I am approching the bedroom there is a strange smell coming from her direction. It was a familiar smell, but I couldn't quite place it. When I turned the corner she was sitting in her rocking chair with her shoes and socks off. I asked what have you been doing? I still couldn't see what she was doing, but the smell was very strong. Then I saw the foot pedicure creme. She was giving herself a pedicure. I should be so proud. She wasn't destroying anything, she didn't write on the walls, she just decided she needed a pedicure. She didn't even waste any of the creme.

St. Louis

As requested an update on our trip to St. Louis. We went to visit the friendly Cardinal Glennon Children's hospital. First, they did a scope procedure to make sure Maci is built correctly on in her upper airways. She is perfect - no toys, erasers, food, etc in her lungs. I didn't know until after the procedure I should have been wishing for an eraser. I guess some kids swallow object, aspirate and get them lodged in their lungs causing all kinds of crazy problems. Then after they remove it the kids are all better. Not Maci.

Then after the scope we went and picked her up and headed to recovery. (So far Maci has had no food or drinks since midnight the night before...) They put her IV in after she had smelled some strawberry gas so the good news is we didn't have to go through that drama. However the IV was causing her much distress. She kept saying it was bothering her. So in and effort to take her mind off of it we had to review our sticker collection we received from the different nurses. We had to wait several minutes to make sure we were able to do a swallow test. After many request for milk we FINALLY we able to move on to the next thing. The best thing about this hospital is all our appointments are on time or EARLY! I think our swallow test was around 1 p.m. We thought it might be an issue for her to drink the magic milkshake. However, when you starve her she was ready to drink it before the doctor was there to read the x-ray machine. He finally arrived and Maci drank the milkshake like it was the best thing she had ever had. Her test all looked fine. We got her dressed out of her little hospital nightgown and were ready to get the heck out of there. BUT before we could leave Maci asked if we could take her milkshake with her. She was officially the first patient to ask to take the nasty thing with her!

We quickly left and took her for some great macaroni and cheese with a big old glass of milk. We were all starving. We didn't eat or drink in front of her - so we also had nothing to eat or drink.

So all is well with Maci structurally so we have to continue on our quest to figure her out. All in all Maci is a great patient.

Holy Jalapeno!

In the famous words of Skippy JonJones - Holy Jalapeno it has been over a month since we posted! We are slackers.

Maci is getting smarter by the day. She has learned to count to 10. I give all the credit to her asthmatic case. We have to take 2 puffs of 5 breaths of her inhaler. So we count to 10 morning and night!

She is fascinated at all the things to see when driving. There is lots of construction on our way home. She loves to watch the tractors. AND she thinks Uncle Dan operates all cranes - no matter where they are located. Yesterday there were 2 tractors parked along the highway and she said look mommy two tractors. I don't know when she learned to count and associate things with numbers.

She is doing better, but not the best with her asthma/allergies. We visited the allergist and added a nose spray. I think she might be the only kid that at 2 would so easily allow you to squirt spray in her nose. It makes me cringe each time we do it. I didn't even have to bribe her with M&M's. Usually with particularly nasty medicine she gets an M&M to get rid of the taste. I think she will be a hypochondriac when she grows up. She is really into any medical show I watch. I like to watch House and she is always asking me what is wrong with that boy/girl. I know she won't be able to be a nurse because any foul smell makes her gag and puke.

Right now she can't wait for Halloween. We have purchased the stuff to make fancy cupcakes for Jeannie's, a fun new costume, & treats for her friends. She doesn't understand why we have to wait...

Singing Sensation!

We are really into singing lately. I mean singing at the top of our lungs - repeating the parts of the song she can remember over and over and over! O Susanna - is "don't cry for me" over and over and over. Okay you get the drift.

Tomorrow we head to STL for to get ready for her scope on Wednesday. We had a little setback the end of last week, so we are crossing our fingers that we will still get to do the procedure. I just hope we can figure her out. Then maybe we will find the perfect house and live happily ever after! (We really need a playroom - her portion of our living room is exploding!)

No My NOT!

Tonight I said to Maci - "Princess, it is right here" She responded "No my not princess- I am Maci Elizabeth James."

Tonight we were watching Fashion Rocks - okay not a normal show we would watch. HOWEVER, Maci was insistant on dancing to the music. She can really get a groove on...she does a little break dancing, swaying, singing, & flopping!

Adding QRS!

For a couple weeks Maci has been singing her ABC’s. It goes a little something like this…ABCFIJLMNOP now I know my ABC’s next time sing with Maci. Sometimes I add little bits to the end or start with her so that she can hear the rest of the ABC’s. This week the QRS was added. In time we will get them all!

3 C's = Clean Plate Award

Maci's new favorite dinner consist of cheese (macaroni & cheese), corn, & cantaloupe. She cleaned her plate all up tonight. She ate EVERY kernel on the corn on the cob.

Maci's newest trick is being able to open the fridge herself. Of course with every trick there are pros and cons. PRO she can get her own milk out (and put it back). CON she checks the fridge out often. PRO she gets her own cantaloupe snack. CON she can't reach the bowls yet so sticky mess all over!

She also goes potty all by herself and doesn't even bother to tell you. PRO she is independent. CON there is pee in her potty and no one knows it.

Tonight I took her out for a swing. I told her we could only swing for a bit because we needed to go cook supper. After we had been swinging for about 20 minutes I told her we needed to go in and we would come back later. She said "no I am going to swing you go cook supper." Which is all fine in theory, but she is in a kiddie swing in the front yard for everyone to see that I just abandoned her in the swing. And she can't make the swing go herself so really it would just look like I forgot her there. I tried the walking off and she will change her mind thing. I tried going in the front door and seeing if she would be concerned - SHE WASN'T. In fact, I gave up and she wins the persistent award. Then I had to convince her she wanted to go shuck corn.

Hoisin Beef & Green Beans

Maci is all about the green foods. Tonight she ate up her dinner. We had Hoisin Beef and Green Beans with brown rice. She ate it all up and asked for more. If you have never tried it, you should. I think it might be my favorite Cooking Light receipe ever. The orginal receipe called for ground pork, but I use pork, turkey, or beef whatever I have. We have included the receipe for you to try.
Mix:
1/2 lb. ground pork
1 T. cornstarch
1/8 t. salt
1/8 t. white pepper

Heat skillet (the receipe says to add oil and heat - I don't use the oil), add ground pork, 3 cups green beans, and 1 T. garlic. Cook until done.

Mix:
2 T. Hoisin Sauce
2 T. Soy Sauce
1 t. Red Pepper Flakes
1 T. Sugar

Add this mixture to the ground pork and green beans. Cook for a few more minutes. I usually let simmer until the rice finishes cooking.

My new favorite stage

As Maci keeps growing I keep saying this is my favorite stage. BUT I think this might really be my favorite. She is potty trained which helps. She makes decisions on her own. She can tell you what is wrong with her. My tummy hurts might mean hungry or she really doesn't feel good. She says the funniest things. For example, today there was a helicopter flying over and her dad jokingly said it was a UFO. So then when I was trying to tell her it was really a helicopter. She replied "no mommy it IS a UFO!"

Photo Show

Maci's Big Day Out

Maci slept in her own bed until 4 a.m. last night - at which time she proceeded to yell at me to take her to the POTTY. MOM POTTY MOM POTTY MOM POTTY - okay okay I am up I am up! We went all through the night without a breathing treatment. We will see how she does today. It might have been a bad night to try it, but she was sleeping in her OWN bed again. I didn't want to disturb her at 2 a.m. She did spend the day yesterday with Grandma (dreama - as she says - mom thinks it sounds so glamourous).

Yesterday morning I met mom & Clyde at the vet office - Clyde had to get his shots. I offered to stay because I knew big country dog in town and a 2 year old might be a handful. BUT mom insisted she could handle it. Well little did she know that a cat was going to be in the waiting room with Clyde. Clyde doesn't care for cats - okay he HATES them. So Maci had to hold mom's purse and stay with the doctor until mom came back after putting Clyde in the car. Then I wish I could have seen them riding home. Clyde and Maci sat in the back seat together. Mom said only for a bit was there trouble because Clyde kept kissing/licking Maci's face. I just crack up even thinking about them sitting back there together. Clyde has the best posture of anyone in the family and he is so attentive.

Transitioning to a Big Girl

We have been completely diaper free (okay except in the night) for the entire week. And we have had no accidents either. She hasn't even had an accident during nap time (I know scary for me to leave her in her panties for nap time). And maybe if she was sleeping in her own bed I wouldn't be such a chicken. Every time she gets sick I have to retrain her to sleep in her own bed. I blame my mother. She moves her around where ever she request to sleep. Last night she told us she was sleeping on the couch and we pretended to go in our room and go to sleep. We even turned the lights off. She was not giving up. She stayed out there until Derek finally went in and brought her into our room. It was time for her breathing treatment. She couldn't hang on through the treatment she finally fell asleep (in our bed of course). The breathing treatments in the middle of the night do help potty training. She asked to go potty at least once in the night when we get her up for her treatment. We will see when we get down to no treatments at night...

Sightseeing with the Blind

There has been crazy flooding in our area. We had so much flooding that the last two days we had no summer school due to road closures and washouts. Who knew I would get flood days and snow days! So the first flood day a couple of the staff members that could make it to work, came in and called all the kids to make sure they were home and their parents knew that. After that Derek, Grandpa Dunham and I went to check out the crops. Our little plants were completely covered and we have our own lake right now. We couldn't get into Grandpa's farm (well in a truck), so we couldn't study his fields too closely. However, Mary sent pictures out. Grandpa kept saying it was worse than it was in 2002. He thought the last time he saw it this bad was 1917. Grandpa kept saying he couldn't believe he was sightseeing and not able to see. However, he could figure lots of things out - he said the details were just fuzzy. I think he had a good time. I had called and asked Grandma if he would like to ride with us. She said of course. Later he told us that she just wanted to get him out of the house!

Diaperless Day

Our first diaperless day - from start to finish. Okay so I am a chicken and had her wear a diaper in the car seat on the way to Jeanne's. However, her father has more faith or doesn't care if there is pee in his carseat. He brought her home diaperless. We had been working on it for the last week while she was sick. I am in denial that she is "potty trained". Of course I am prepared for the worst!

Back to Jeanne's

Last night I told Maci she was going to Jeanne's today. Today when I woke her up she asked first thing if I was ready to go yet? She was ready to go to Jeanne's. She actually rushed me out the door. And since I had to return her borrowed medical equipment to the hospital, it was a good thing. Sometimes in the morning she is a little grumpy. Okay most everyday and really grumpy. Unless she wakes up on her own terms and then she is the sweetest ever. Derek is going to pick her up early before it is outside time at Jeanne's. Jeanne offered to make all the kids stay in, but I didn't want everyone to be mad at Maci for having to stay inside!

Am I that bad?

I had a telemarketer hang up on ME today. He asked for an employee that no longer worked in the district so I told him they weren't employed with the district. I usually follow that up with please remove us from your list, but I didn't even get to that before Jeff White introduced himeself. So it goes:
Me: "He no longer works in the district"
Him: "Well who is the new principal"
Me: "Who is calling"
Him: "Jeff White"
Me: "Jeff White with which company"
Him: "Resources Unlimited (or something of that nature)"
Me: "Can I ask what you would like to talk to him about, maybe you need to talk to another person in the district"
CLICK

I LOVE IT. That absolutely made my day. If you just keep asking questions, you might just get rid of all your telemarketers.

Do we have to do everything our selves?

Last night Dr. Burdin called for her evening chat with mom about Maci. Maci had her allergy test and it had come back negative. However, we kept saying something was triggering her sickness. I thought maybe she was just going to have an asthmatic trigger to cold weather - which was concurrent with information I have been reading. BUT now that we have developed a sickness not in the winter there had to be another trigger. Thanks to Lindsey (Dr. Burdin's daughter) who was also tested with the same allergy test as Maci, we find that the lab gave us incorrect information. Maci and Lindsey were tested and both came back with similar results, however, Maci's was negative and Lindsey's was positive. So Dr. Burdin called the lab to see the difference. The lab read Maci's as if she was 101 years old. (Okay so my first reaction was WHAT if you are 101 why the heck are you just now allergy testing.) So long story short - she has allergies, but to what we don't know.

Tree Hugger Peer Pressure

I have given in to the tree hugger peer pressure. Everyone that has watched Maci this week has asked if her sippy cups are "safe". I can't find where they are safe anywhere on the Internet. SO Amanda you will be proud. I ordered myself a new reusable water bottle (Derek took mine to the farm and it is yet to return so I really needed it), a grocery bag (I have been secretly jealous of my mother's because it fits on the cart and folds up really small - and I had to order 2 because of the price break), and a multitude of cups for Maci. I can't tell if I will be able to clean the yucky milk junk out of them on the Internet. The Sigg ones make it really difficult with the small opening. Maci loves the one she got from Amanda for Christmas, but we can only drink water out of it.

So I have done my part this week for the environment.

Jeanne & Amy can't leave anymore...

So as we know Jeanne is off this week. Aunt Amy usually covers for Maci watch on those weeks, however, she took a couple days off this week too. WELL they aren't allowed to do that anymore. Maci is starting her sick thing again. Leah took her to the doctor today and they decided to put her on steroids for a couple days.

Maci has had an eventful week. She has been able to spend lots of time with family. Yesterday was the craziest day. I took Maci and Popo to the farm. Then went to work. I returned to the farm and had batting practice with Stella. Then we loaded up the taxi and headed to Macon. We dropped off Popo, the peas, and some powerful onions (the girls had a snack or two). Then we loaded up again and headed for the ball field. We were there early enough to make Grandma Dunham proud. Stella thought they were going to practice a bit before the game, but they didn't. We watched a painful game for me, but MUCH MUCH MUCH better than t-ball. I just want to help them so much and really you can't. Stella had a fabulous hit. It made it in the live zone, but just past it so they had to run up on it. She made it to first and was safe! She is a very nervous batter. I went home and told Derek he was going to have to take her out and practice with her. I did and she hit it every time I pitched it to her. So maybe she needs another coach. Then we all went out to have dinner.

Last night right before bed she puked ALL over the bed. She was in there reading a book with her dad. I wasn't in there to witness the puking, however, as he took her for her 2nd bath of the evening I was summons to clean the sheets. I only have one set of sheets unpacked at this house, so I had to wash them immediately. I decided I needed to find the others soon. She didn't act sick other than the puking. Then this morning I took her to Leah's. I told Leah we needed to go back to more treatments per day. I guess she listened to her and thought she needed to go the doctor. (she still doesn't act like she is sick - for goodness sake she ate 3 1/2pancakes. She had them with strawberry jam for the first time. She liked it. I knew I would convert her to fruit.)

Tomorrow Aunt Amy is back. I hope she remembers that she doesn't cry when I leave her there. Monday she cried, but Tuesday she didn't when I dropped her off with Aunt Amy. Then Wednesday she cried when I left her at the farm. AND today she cried both times I left her with Leah.

Picking Peas with POPO

No Jeanne this week. So Maci is going to be spending everyday with the farm gang. Yesterday was pea picking day and RAINING. I think the pea pickers are crazy or dedicated - you decide. However, it must have worn Maci out. She slept for 2 1/2 hours at Aunt Amy's before Derek picked her up. And then when she got home she took another 2 hour nap. I thought she wouldn't sleep last night, but she slept all night. I guess all that work just did her in!!!

Good Night Gorilla

Last night we were reading Good Night Gorilla. Maci likes to repeat and repeat. Well one of the animals in the book is an armadillo. Have you every heard a 2 year old say armadillo? It will make you laugh.

There goes Parker's mom...

It amazes me how Maci recognizes things that you don't even think she would. Yesterday we were driving through Macon and she said there is Parker's mom. So I am looking for Parker's mom. HOWEVER, it was just a car that looks very similar to Parker's ride. As they drive off, she says bye Parker. Also, she thinks every white truck is her dad.

Another thing she recognizes before me is children from daycare and their parents. We will be filling up with gas and she will say there is Jayden. Or we will be getting groceries and she will spot another kid (or their parents) WAY before I do.

Note to self: Very observant child need to watch what I do!

Doctor Update

We went to the doctor yesterday. We are cutting back the breathing treatments. Maci is doing very good. She gained 1/2 a pound, so she is 27.5.

Maci loves to watch the rabbits in the yard. Here she has spotted them out the bedroom window. When we are outside she squats down and motions for them to come here. All the while asking the rabbit "come ere bunny, come ere bunny".




Biker babe: One of our favorite outdoor activities includes riding the bike around the driveway. When she gets tired you have to push her. Some genius bike maker added a tall handle for the parent.



Future artist. She loves all craft like activities. The messier the better!


Stella & Maci checking out the ambulance at the YouZeum in Columbia.

The Internet makes me smart!

The ability to use the Internet makes me appear to be smart! I find that the teachers here do not know the power of Google. I don't have a phone book. I don't listen to the weather. I don't watch the news. I have the Internet. People come to me for the weather forecast, phone numbers and general information. If there is an argument going on about What was Lucy's last name of the peanuts? Google it is. Van Pelt if you are now wondering. On the flip side people come and ask me phone number, the weather, and general information. I always ask - did you try to Google it?

Weekend - Busy start / Slow Ending

Saturday

We had a VERY eventful Saturday this weekend. We started out heading to the Youzeum in Columbia. It is a new children's activity center all themed around the body. Leah, Madeline, and Stella had invited us to join them. We met Larry, Donice, & Anthony there. Maci was a little clingy, but loved the activity. We then headed to lunch with the gang. We had a nice visit. Anthony & Maci got to color and eat raisins together. Anthony is a very sweet kid especially for Larry as a father. He takes after his mother. I was worried Maci would be mean or bossy, but she did good.

Then we headed to Fulton to visit the great grandparents. Dale and Bev were there mowing and weed eating away (until the rain). We had a good visit. Maci showed up just in time for cake and ice cream.

After our visit, we headed back to Barnes and Noble to pick out a few new books for me to read to Maci. I have to mix it up. The same books do get boring. We picked out some really good books this time. I have already had to read them 3 or 4 times yesterday.

We then met Derek's side of the family for dinner. We took Grandma Betty out for Mother's day. She was ecstatic to see Trace. She wouldn't leave his side until her food came. Then she barely would eat because she wanted to spend more time with him. I think he likes her attention, but will soon be embarrassed as he gets older. I don't know though.

Sunday

Maci and I hung out all day Sunday. We didn't even leave the house. It was great!

No Allergies for Maci

I didn't get this post up too quickly. Maci had an allergy test. She is not allergic to anything. Good news is she doesn't have allergies. Bad news we don't know why she stays all full of yuck. We have a followup visit in a couple weeks. We will see what is next.

A few of her favorite things

1. Baby Dolls as previously stated
2. Balls
3. Dogs
4. Playing outside
5. Chocolate Milk
6. M&M's plain (her mother makes her do things before she can have them though)
7. Feeding the calf milk (Don't even mention Papa unless you have time to take her there and feed the calf)
8. Calling Trace or Papa on the phone
9. Drawing/Coloring/Painting If you are writing, she must have paper and pencil too!
10. Reading books with or without someone

A few of my favorite things

1. Maci likes to sing. Although her recollection of the words is not the best yet. Her favorite song - Rock a bye baby. Her words: Rock a bye baby top. She only misses the part about in the tree top!

2. Arguing. Of course she comes by this naturally. She likes to pick the fight too. She will say my dad and then you say no mine. And the arguement is in full swing!

3. She uses one or two words to ask question. Doing? Who that? What want?

4. Watching her run. Her little short legs can really move.

Baby needs milk

I know I haven't posted in a while. It has been pointed out to me many times now.

Maci is still loving pretend play. She has to feed the baby milk frequently. Also, the baby has to have her diaper changed ALOT. And now she wants to use real ones. So this morning I told her I couldn't afford to diaper her and the baby. So I think she is going to potty train herself today - that way I can just buy diapers for her baby! She has named one of her babies baby Parker. The other night Derek was gone for turkey hunters and Maci slept with me. She wouldn't go to bed without the baby so the baby slept with us. I woke up at 3 AM to her sitting straight up in bed feeding the baby. I guess she is taking this parenting thing seriously. Also, I think we might be raising a hypochondriac she has to give her baby medicine frequently. And she loves to take the baby's temperature. I don't know if other children take their baby's temperatures - maybe it is normal.

Dr. Burdin's favorite story yesterday was the potty training. Maci likes to go potty by herself when she needs to do #2. I know when she has finished because she gags and sometime actually pukes, BUT she always gags. So I bought her a new potty ring to go on the big potty (hopefully that will help with the gagging). I think that rules out being a nurse. Dr. Burdin said she could still be a doctor, because they usually don't have to deal with the poop part. So maybe her hypochondriac ways will end her up with a medical degree. I think I need to up her 529 plan contributions!

We went to the doctor yesterday for a followup to our asthma stuff. Dr. Burdin was a little discouraged to hear one of her medicines has been recalled. So we are going to continue as is for another month. I am a little discouraged too. I just want to know what to keep her away from so we don't have to go on steroids. So since I am a need to know person. We went ahead and did a blood draw to get her allergy test done. We are going to see what this test tells us before we go to the allergist. We should know in a week or so.

The blood draw was a little traumatic. They had to stick her 3 times to actually get blood. And the final person to do it was Sharon Kennison. She is the only one that has ever been able to put in her IVs and now draw her blood. I wish we could have her as our own on call nurse! After our trauma with the blood draw, we went to visit uncle Mark. He was sitting up and looked as good as a person that had a broken hip could look! He had supper while we were there even though he complained he didn't have much of an appetite. John came into town and was there visiting too. Maci sat on his lap (shocking - I know - I can't believe she would sit on him!). She thought he was funny and even hugged him goodbye when we left.

I will try to post more often.

Funny Stuff

I keep thinking to myself - I need to blog that about Maci it is too funny. BUT then I forget those things. I guess I need to make notes. I feel if I have to make notes then I am getting old and forgetful. So I guess I am old and forgetful.

This morning Maci and Parker carried on a conversation about Parker's dad. Parker would say dada. Maci would say Maci's dad. Then repeat and repeat and repeat again! I tried to throw in new words for Parker, but did't get too far. However, it just frustrated Maci because Parker wouldn't repeat her new words. I guess I will stay out of the game. They were doing fine on their own.

Maci is starting to get a runny nose AGAIN! I am so ready for the flu, cold, and sickness time to be over. Last night she did get to spend a little time outside riding her bike. She loves being outside. It is sad to say but I am hoping she doesn't have allergies, but I think I am living in a dream world.

She is doing so many fun things now. She talks all the time and the best part is you can understand what she is saying more times than not! The guessing what she is saying and getting it wrong did not sit well with her. She loves to play with her baby doll. She has many, but it is funny that she only wants to play with the same one. She makes the baby go potty, dresses and undresses, feeds, and my favorite gives the baby medicine every night. Just like her of course. She does a lot of cooking and making tea too.

I bought a new camera this last week. It is shockproof so I am more willing to let her hold it and use it. She started taking pictures of her baby doll. I took that as a sign that I take a lot of pictures of her. She had a hard time getting the pictures just right so she had to try many times. She is so lucky to live in the digital world. Our parent would have never developed baby doll pictures for us. I bet they would have thrown the roll of film away. OR not let us play with the camera at all.

Other than the snotty nose Maci is having fun.

Huh?

My new not so favorite saying of Maci's. Yesterday I was telling Jeanne that we were not repeating ourselves when she says this, because she says it all the time. THEN the other little girl Maci's age said HUH? So now I know where she picked that up from. Jeanne told me that the other little girl was 10 times worse than Maci. So I don't know how Jeanne does it - I would lose it!

Pretend Play & Sick

Maci caught a cold, and then the cold turned into her asthma filled lungs of gunk. So we have been house bound again. Maci has taken the opportunity to teach her babies how to go potty. First she takes all the babies clothes off and then she puts the baby in her potty so only the head sticks out the top. Also, she tells me to SHHHSH baby going night night. Then she puts all 3 babies in the baby crib.

My new favorite saying "bad girl" and "good girl." If you do something she doesn't like she tells you are a bad girl - even Derek. I really don't tell her she is a bad girl - I do tell her she is a good girl when she goes potty or says thank you in the appropriate response without being cued. So I guess Jeanne must tell them they are bad girls. She probably hears that when she is stealing the toys from other kids.

AND I am so sorry I introduced Seasame Street to her. I have heard nothing but COOKIE every 2 minutes. Also, Madeline and Stella gave Maci some old videos. I set up the TV and VCR in the bedroom for her to watch them. She has me put Spot on in there and then demands COOKIE in the living room. AND then she watches neither one of them!

Well she is having a steroid induced fit (my mother says that is why she is so moody). I wonder what her excuse is when she is steroid free? Gotta go.

Parker Cries

For the first time today I heard and witnessed Parker Ellen crying. Of course one of the other girls at daycare didn't let anyone have more than a 15 minute nap. So Maci was a little clingy tonight and I HEARD Parker cry. She was so tired rubbing her eyes. I then took her to Aunt Amy's and Uncle Paul's and she perked right back into regular happy Parker. I knew Uncle Paul would have that affect on her. I bet they didn't even get a whimper out of her.

Maci rules the roost

Life changes with baby. And then life REALLY changes with toddler. The toddler has taken over the tv with cartoons, she makes you wake up at an early hour everday even weekends, she makes you read her books instead of your own (while not changing the cartoon), she thinks you should play on the floor with her all day (even though you have things to do), and if you falter she tells you how it is...

Valentine's Day Kiss to You!

Why?

The dreaded WHY is here. Or she says THAT for what is that? So you say dad is on his way home. Why? Because he lives here. Why? I don't know. He doesn't pick up his socks. Why? Because he is waiting for you to do it. Why? Because that is why you have children.

You think she will need therapy?

Is it just me?

Is it just me or is blogging a new form of modern day Soaps? I feel like I have to check up on them daily. If you miss a day, they are quick to catch up on. I don't even know some of the people I read their blogs, but think their stories are funny or interesting. I think it is an addiction.

I am blaming it on Max & the Pham geek contest. I now know more about Max's friends then some of my own!

Cooking with Maci

Holy moly Maci loves guacamole! We made homemade guacamole today for a Super Bowl party tomorrow. (I think I might need a better recipe, but for the first time it was good) She sampled several bites. I am convinced she will eat ANYTHING that is green.

The unorganized mom

We are out of school the rest of this week. So yesterday Maci and I played in our PJs all day. So while we were hanging out in our PJs Maci proceeded to shred one of her coloring projects on the floor. All day she kept pulling her toys off the shelves and of course not putting them away. So we had blocks, tea set, color crayon, paper, & little people explosion in our house. However, since I am not at work with my calendar, I forgot that we had a Parents as Teachers meeting last night. So to our surprise there was a knock at the door (we rarely have visitors) we were like what is that someone at the door?

Maci had a great time. Last night she put things in different bottles to make noises. She had a great time putting the stuff in the funnel to go in the bottle. Then a fabulous time shaking the things, I would say her favorites were the jingle bells and beans. The cotton balls she just didn't see the point. Then she proceeded to help Cara take the things out of the bottles and back into their appropriate containers. I think she might be a bit OCD. She spent the rest of the time jumping up and down singing and dancing. Oh and she did later show us how she knew her body parts. Of course, when we first asked she would have nothing to do with it. Later she showed off her skills. Cara thought she was too funny not to laugh at either. She spent some time laughing at her jumping dancing routine and mentioning she wished she could have some of that energy.

Plunk!

This just in...Maci just pooped in the potty!

It makes ALL those false trip to the potty worth it.

The Sneaky Getaway

Maci has not been cleared to go to daycare this week, so she has been spending some time with Aunt Amy & Uncle Paul. Even though she is completely spoiled there she acts sad every morning when I leave. WHICH is a nice change from the over the shoulder wave with the get the heck out of here attitude she gives me at Jeanne's. This morning she was acting like she didn't want me to leave, UNTIL George (the cat) came to the backdoor. She jumped out of my arms and headed to the door to let him in the house. During her distraction - I left out the front. I wonder if she missed me after she let George in...doubt it!

She might not be so quick to let George in during lunch. I heard today that George and Gracie took turns eating Maci's lunch. It might make her think twice...

Today I got out of school early - and not because of weather, but because we have so many sick kids. We are out the rest of the week, however, I am working a couple of the days to make up for my time off last week. I love free days off. I never had those in the "real" world.

P.S. I am looking for a job at the hospital to get the discount on Maci's bills. It needs to have minimal hours and a great discount.

It's in the cookie...

Maci’s fortune: This is your day to call the shots
My fortune: Your day will be somewhat dictated by authority

Need I say more?

I'm doing it all wrong

So I have been looking everywhere for old Sesame Street shows. Maci loves them. I have been online trying to find additional shows and upon reading about them. Did you know the old school videos I bought her are intended for adult viewing only? I guess there are too many controversial issues in the old Sesame Street shows for children today. Who knew? Not me – Maci has worn the DVD out. Would it be terrible if she grew up on the old shows that we use to watch as kids? Regardless, I really wish there were more of the shows on DVD. So I wonder if they are for adults only will they make more DVDs? Maci has been sick again and we have been doing several extra breathing treatments a day. I am tired of the same old shows.

And since I am clouding her mind with inappropriate shows, I might as well confess she had pancakes, peanut butter, and asparagus for supper. She hasn’t been eating much this week. She stayed with Aunt Amy and only ate 5 green beans. Well and picked some dried cherries and chocolate chips out of a scone. So when I asked her what she wanted for supper she requested pancakes. So I added a little peanut butter protein. Then I warmed up some left over asparagus and she had a couple stalks. I think supper was a success!

I might be in the running for mom of the year...

Of course my mother in a effort to make me think everything that goes wrong with Maci is my fault. She has that lovely characteristic about her. PRINTS me off an article for a "reputable source" that if I would have eaten more beans when I was pregnant Maci wouldn't have asthma. I am done having children if it means I have to eat lentils, lima beans, or those dried beans you turn into different dishes. I might be able to eat northern beans...I will eat baked beans. I am all about green beans. BUT I draw the line at LIMA BEANS!

Flossing?

At what age should you start flossing? Maci thinks it is now. Every time I get out floss she needs some too! Then she moves it around mimicking how I do it. I guess it is never too early to start teaching good hygiene.