As parents, we often look for feedback from our kids or others, something to let us know that we are doing a good job. I don't know anyone who wouldn't be tickled if someone told them how smart or polite their child was. I was thrilled when the man sitting in front of us on the flight to California told me how well behaved my girls were. Here's the part where I confess that they were asleep for most of the trip. As someone who has flown with and had to sit in front of children on a plane, I guess quiet and not kicking the back of your seat definitely qualify as good behavior.
I even had an employee at Arby's tell me that one of my kids was the most pleasant six year old she had ever seen. To which I had to fight the urge to say, "You don't get out much, do you?" The same sweet lady at church offers to take my baby home with her every Sunday. To which I always have to say, "You don't understand. She's not always this sweet!"
But yesterday morning something monumental happened. My husband was busy trying to force my child who has problems with hypoglycemia to eat her egg for breakfast. She looked at him and then used the "m" word. "Daddy, you're mean!" I have to admit that I did a little dance right there in the middle of the kitchen. "Did you hear that?" I practically yelled. "Did you hear that? She said we're mean. YESSSS! That means we're doing it right!" My husband sat there for a second, then said, "Huh?" I danced some more. "She said we're mean. That means we are doing this whole parenting thing right! Awesome. Thanks, Toots, you made my day!"
I don't think that's quite the reaction my daughter was looking for after such a bold statement, as the look she gave me could have burned through my skin and cooked my vital organs. But hey, I got confirmation from the horse's mouth that we are doing something right, and you can't ask for more than that!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Animal House
Many of you know that one of my deepest desires has always been to be an author. I let my love of horses and other animals lead me away from a career in the journalism industry very early in life, but my love of books, reading, and writing has never gone away. I finally have the entire first pass copy of my book printed out and ready to review. I can hardly believe it. This is definitely a "bucket list" item for me!
A very influential teacher in my life once told me that I should write about what I "know." At the time I started collecting memories for my book, what I knew about was being a mother, one who had left a job that she loved and been thrown headfirst into motherhood with a baby under each arm. Naturally, my first book had to be about my kids, because that's what I was totally immersed in each and every day. That said, I have noticed a trend among readers of my blog. The posts about our animals seem to get significantly more reads than the ones about our kids! I am so glad that you guys enjoy reading about the "rest" of our family. So I will make an effort to include more about them and may even consider making them the subject of my next book. Between my husband and I, we have loads of clinic stories in addition to the chaos at home!
The other day I shared with you that our German Shepherd, with very little effort, had learned several tricks. Not to be outdone, Zoey has developed one of her own. Sort of. I guess you can call it a trick, only she doesn't do it on command or need to be especially smart to master it. Basically, I guess you could classify it as a sneak attack. She waits for me to bend over, usually to do something like tie my shoes. Then she slips up behind me, gets ready, and...licks me in the face! It's gross, it's slimy, and it makes me laugh every single time. Bringing her into our home has definitely been worth it, stains and all. By the way, I am so happy to report that she loves her special kidney food and seems to be gaining weight again. She doesn't guzzle water or vomit like she used to, and she hasn't had an accident since she's been home, although I must confess that we get up more during the night with this silly dog than we ever did with our kids!
Speaking of the kids, I really wish someone had been filming the other day in our den. We would have had another clip for AFV, not really a clever one, but just a really freaking funny one. I was at my limit with my child, who was speaking Whinese and telling me what was wrong with the third pair of jeans she had put on that morning. I headed toward her, armed and ready. My cousins who have seen my mom do this will be able to picture this perfectly in their minds! When I got to her, I picked up the leg of the pair of jeans I was holding, drew back, and popped her as hard as I could on the leg. Only I didn't exactly hit the target. The pant leg sort of wrapped around her and...hit my husband square in the nuts! So much for discipline. Guess Daddy took one for the team! I didn't laugh...long. And just so you know, it's really hard to sound sincere when you are making an apology while laughing so hard you cried.
A very influential teacher in my life once told me that I should write about what I "know." At the time I started collecting memories for my book, what I knew about was being a mother, one who had left a job that she loved and been thrown headfirst into motherhood with a baby under each arm. Naturally, my first book had to be about my kids, because that's what I was totally immersed in each and every day. That said, I have noticed a trend among readers of my blog. The posts about our animals seem to get significantly more reads than the ones about our kids! I am so glad that you guys enjoy reading about the "rest" of our family. So I will make an effort to include more about them and may even consider making them the subject of my next book. Between my husband and I, we have loads of clinic stories in addition to the chaos at home!
The other day I shared with you that our German Shepherd, with very little effort, had learned several tricks. Not to be outdone, Zoey has developed one of her own. Sort of. I guess you can call it a trick, only she doesn't do it on command or need to be especially smart to master it. Basically, I guess you could classify it as a sneak attack. She waits for me to bend over, usually to do something like tie my shoes. Then she slips up behind me, gets ready, and...licks me in the face! It's gross, it's slimy, and it makes me laugh every single time. Bringing her into our home has definitely been worth it, stains and all. By the way, I am so happy to report that she loves her special kidney food and seems to be gaining weight again. She doesn't guzzle water or vomit like she used to, and she hasn't had an accident since she's been home, although I must confess that we get up more during the night with this silly dog than we ever did with our kids!
Speaking of the kids, I really wish someone had been filming the other day in our den. We would have had another clip for AFV, not really a clever one, but just a really freaking funny one. I was at my limit with my child, who was speaking Whinese and telling me what was wrong with the third pair of jeans she had put on that morning. I headed toward her, armed and ready. My cousins who have seen my mom do this will be able to picture this perfectly in their minds! When I got to her, I picked up the leg of the pair of jeans I was holding, drew back, and popped her as hard as I could on the leg. Only I didn't exactly hit the target. The pant leg sort of wrapped around her and...hit my husband square in the nuts! So much for discipline. Guess Daddy took one for the team! I didn't laugh...long. And just so you know, it's really hard to sound sincere when you are making an apology while laughing so hard you cried.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Silver the Watchdog
Thank you so much to everyone who has offered their condolences on the loss of our German Shepherd, Silver. She was a wonderful dog, a loyal companion, and a protector of our family for many years. I can't think of a time that she ever showed aggression toward a person, save one. For several years, Kirk and I lived in a loft apartment that overlooked our veterinary clinic. As Silver only had three legs, stairs were a challenge, and ours were too much for her. So she basically had the run of the clinic at night, along with a love seat in the waiting room that she claimed (and destroyed by chewing on the arms.) One night, the local sheriff's department was checking doors, just as they always did, and found that we had forgotten to lock the back one. We never really had trouble with break-ins, I think mainly due to the fact that if you walked up to the curtained front doors, Silver would immediately push them aside and look out at you!
Finding the back door unlocked, the deputies came into the building through the back, not realizing that we were sleeping upstairs...or that Silver was downstairs. She met them at the swinging door that led to the waiting room, and made it clear that they were not welcome to come any farther. In a sort of odd turn, they went next door and enlisted the help of our neighbor, who assured them that Silver "knew him" and would let him in. She let him come through the door, but no farther. She had retreated to her love seat, but she was lying there showing every tooth in her head.
How on Earth we slept through all that, I'm not sure. Finally someone decided to just yell until they woke us up. Honestly, I was shocked to find out that our sweet, loving puppy was also one heck of a watchdog...when she needed to be.
She had three tricks, "give me five," "speak," and "Bang! Dead dog!" She loved to perform them for anyone and everyone. Silver loved kids, and she entertained at local schools and libraries on a regular basis, even letting my husband the veterinarian tag along.
After yesterday, it is apparent that a lot of people remember her, and remember her fondly! My poor husband was a bit disappointed that after I posted about the dogs one day they got more "likes" on FB than a post about him! Sorry, Babe.
Finding the back door unlocked, the deputies came into the building through the back, not realizing that we were sleeping upstairs...or that Silver was downstairs. She met them at the swinging door that led to the waiting room, and made it clear that they were not welcome to come any farther. In a sort of odd turn, they went next door and enlisted the help of our neighbor, who assured them that Silver "knew him" and would let him in. She let him come through the door, but no farther. She had retreated to her love seat, but she was lying there showing every tooth in her head.
How on Earth we slept through all that, I'm not sure. Finally someone decided to just yell until they woke us up. Honestly, I was shocked to find out that our sweet, loving puppy was also one heck of a watchdog...when she needed to be.
She had three tricks, "give me five," "speak," and "Bang! Dead dog!" She loved to perform them for anyone and everyone. Silver loved kids, and she entertained at local schools and libraries on a regular basis, even letting my husband the veterinarian tag along.
After yesterday, it is apparent that a lot of people remember her, and remember her fondly! My poor husband was a bit disappointed that after I posted about the dogs one day they got more "likes" on FB than a post about him! Sorry, Babe.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Puppy Problems
I mentioned when we adopted Zoey that it had been a very long time since we added to our dog collection. Ten years, give or take, but who's counting? I'm fairly certain that the last puppies we got were our two Corgis in 2003. That said, anyone who ever came into our veterinary clinic will remember our three-legged German Shepherd, Silver. She came to us as a twelve week old puppy who had gotten too close to a broodmare. Her back leg was badly broken, and the owners decided they would rather put her down than fix her leg. As we were fresh out of veterinary school and still thought we could save the world (ha, ha) my husband asked if we could have her. He wanted to try to fix her leg and then "find her a home." To make a long story short, two surgical attempts and a consult later, we amputated her shattered leg and found her a home - ours.
She has been with us for almost 11 years now, watched over me through my pregnancies, and protected my children. So this morning when I found her flat out on her side, I was quickly and harshly reminded how old she really is for a big dog. Her pupils were dilated, she was breathing hard, and didn't seem to know her name. In my best owner who also happens to be a vet opinion, she seemed to have had a seizure. When her breathing became more labored, I was afraid she was going to die right then. Thirty or so minutes passed, and suddenly she rolled up onto her chest and seemed to know me again. So far, she has had some bloody stool and hasn't been able to get up. I'm really hoping this isn't the beginning of the end for her. Today I am praying for the strength to do the right thing for a very good and faithful companion. Any and all positive thoughts are appreciated.
On the flip side, I am delighted to say that Zoey is feeling much better! Having survived her surgery, the first few days at home were pretty rough. She vomited almost nonstop for a couple of days, got really dehydrated, and we started to have some serious talks about her quality of life. We decided that we hadn't come this far to quit on her now, so we dosed her up with anti-nausea meds and fluids. And it worked! She trotted behind me in the house, which she's never done, and she actually played with my husband. He took her outside yesterday and she even barked and chased the truck. I can't tell you how much good it did my heart to see her happy and feeling good. She even jumps up on us and demands to be petted, which is also new. Thanks to her dental and surgery, she just smells like a dog now, instead of walking death! We can only hope that she has many happy years ahead, and if she doesn't, at least she has us now.
PS - When I returned from my doctor appointment this morning, our sweet Silver was gone. RIP, my dear and faithful companion. You made so many people happy, and your life truly mattered. We miss you already!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Mini Me
Since I've been at this whole motherhood thing for about six years now, I would like to share with you a small fraction of what I have learned since my kids were born. There are certain undeniable truths about parenting. Anything that claims to be "ouchless" isn't. That is a total lie. Any product that feels the need to include the word "ouchless" on the label is to be used for something that hurts. "Tear free" shampoo produces wailing and gnashing of teeth every single time you put it in a child's eyes. Anything that says "childproof" really means "adult" proof. As in, you aren't getting in that sucker without help from your child. The people who package toys are a sadistic, vindictive little group of monsters. They sit up at night and think of ways to anchor Barbie dolls in boxes that will take you ten minutes and at least three tools to get out. All while the short people are standing there screaming, "Get it out! Get it out! Hurry! Hurry!"
The most important bit of parenting fact I would like to pass along is this: The mother's curse (I hope you have some kids who act just like you) WORKS. It is for real, and I have proof. The child I most often butt heads with in our family is the one who's exactly like me. She's a picky eater who must analyze each and every bite before it enters her mouth. She is challenged when it comes to fashion. I tried to patiently explain that an orange shirt and orange pants didn't really need to be worn together, even though they were both orange. Finally I got exasperated and yelled, "You look like a Push-Up! Now go change your pants!" Every article of clothing on the planet has something wrong with it. It itches, it's too big, it's too small, it slides when she walks. The list goes on and on and on.
She hates any and all forms of tights. I admit that she gets this honestly, but come on. It took me ten minutes to arrange the seam on her toes before church. She gets frustrated easily when she can't do something perfectly the first time she tries it. Again, it's possible that she comes by that naturally, but it doesn't make it any less annoying.
Our personal war on most days is about her hair, which I have to admit is pretty funny. I was the daughter of a hairdresser, and most of our fights were about my hair! The other day, I had fixed her hair like Rapunzel, which is her current favorite hairstyle. She took off to get her shoes, and I heard it. The sound I despise more than anything else. That "I'm dissatisfied with something" sound coming from my laundry room. Out she came, face red and blotchy, tears still in her eyes.
"What on Earth is wrong with you?" She stood there for a second, touched the back of her just-fixed hair, looked at me, and said, "There's more space on one side of my ponytail than the other and I just don't know where the center of my head is!" What a coincidence. I've lost the center of my head too...also known as my mind!
The most important bit of parenting fact I would like to pass along is this: The mother's curse (I hope you have some kids who act just like you) WORKS. It is for real, and I have proof. The child I most often butt heads with in our family is the one who's exactly like me. She's a picky eater who must analyze each and every bite before it enters her mouth. She is challenged when it comes to fashion. I tried to patiently explain that an orange shirt and orange pants didn't really need to be worn together, even though they were both orange. Finally I got exasperated and yelled, "You look like a Push-Up! Now go change your pants!" Every article of clothing on the planet has something wrong with it. It itches, it's too big, it's too small, it slides when she walks. The list goes on and on and on.
She hates any and all forms of tights. I admit that she gets this honestly, but come on. It took me ten minutes to arrange the seam on her toes before church. She gets frustrated easily when she can't do something perfectly the first time she tries it. Again, it's possible that she comes by that naturally, but it doesn't make it any less annoying.
Our personal war on most days is about her hair, which I have to admit is pretty funny. I was the daughter of a hairdresser, and most of our fights were about my hair! The other day, I had fixed her hair like Rapunzel, which is her current favorite hairstyle. She took off to get her shoes, and I heard it. The sound I despise more than anything else. That "I'm dissatisfied with something" sound coming from my laundry room. Out she came, face red and blotchy, tears still in her eyes.
"What on Earth is wrong with you?" She stood there for a second, touched the back of her just-fixed hair, looked at me, and said, "There's more space on one side of my ponytail than the other and I just don't know where the center of my head is!" What a coincidence. I've lost the center of my head too...also known as my mind!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The First Pass Copy
I am excited to say that my "first pass copy" of my book is here. I have to read through it and make any needed changes once more before it goes to be printed! I can hardly believe it. It's very surreal to hold the pages in my hands. They look like actual book pages, all laid out and professional. It's getting closer! I am thrilled at the prospect of putting this project to bed and beginning another one. OK, maybe not just yet. But I am ready to be done with this one. Thanks to everyone who has asked about the book. I will absolutely let everyone know when it is finished, and you will be able to purchase it through this website. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!
The Root Canal
I started my morning with a root canal. Not my favorite way to start the day, but at least I got plenty of laughing gas. I was a bit apprehensive about the nitrous after hearing a friend tell me that he made some highly inappropriate comments to the technician assisting with his procedure. I bet they are still telling that story at the office Christmas party every year! But my fear of what was coming won out over my fear of saying something inappropriate. So it was on with the mask! To infinity, and beyond!
Since I also started my day with a migraine, I have to say that when the Relpax and the nitrous kicked in at the same time I was feeling pretty good! Lying there all warm and cozy, feeling as if my arms and legs were about to float off of the chair, I forgot for a moment that I was there to have someone drill a hole in my tooth, pull out the vessels in the middle, and drain an abscess under the root. Yep, it was just as pleasant as it sounds, although I have to say that the anesthesia was great. The only part that really sucked was the fact that I couldn't actually fall asleep in the chair while he worked on my tooth. Oh, and the part where he pulled off the mask and sat me up to x-ray my tooth and admire his work. That part definitely interrupted my swerve.
I am happy to report that I survived the procedure, and at least for the moment I get to keep my tooth. I spent a lot of time reading about the root canal procedure and the long term complications that have been associated with them, but it's just hard to say, "Go ahead and pull" one of my permanent teeth! And yes, I thought about that guy in "The Hangover" a lot! So for the time being, my teeth are all my own. Guess I wasn't as lucky as I thought several years ago when that horse fell with me and stepped on my face. What I thought was just a fat lip also included a damaged tooth!
I found it fairly amusing that when I asked how long it would be before I could eat, the nurse replied with, "Any time you're ready, just don't forget that your lips are numb." Gee, really? How could I possibly forget that one side of my mouth was drooping? I'm constantly touching my face to see if there is drool running down my chin! Seeing as how I'm not quite ready for the nursing home, this is not a normal state of affairs for me. Anyway, I have lots to write about later, after I sober up. Or maybe I should do it before. Might make for some interesting reading!
Since I also started my day with a migraine, I have to say that when the Relpax and the nitrous kicked in at the same time I was feeling pretty good! Lying there all warm and cozy, feeling as if my arms and legs were about to float off of the chair, I forgot for a moment that I was there to have someone drill a hole in my tooth, pull out the vessels in the middle, and drain an abscess under the root. Yep, it was just as pleasant as it sounds, although I have to say that the anesthesia was great. The only part that really sucked was the fact that I couldn't actually fall asleep in the chair while he worked on my tooth. Oh, and the part where he pulled off the mask and sat me up to x-ray my tooth and admire his work. That part definitely interrupted my swerve.
I am happy to report that I survived the procedure, and at least for the moment I get to keep my tooth. I spent a lot of time reading about the root canal procedure and the long term complications that have been associated with them, but it's just hard to say, "Go ahead and pull" one of my permanent teeth! And yes, I thought about that guy in "The Hangover" a lot! So for the time being, my teeth are all my own. Guess I wasn't as lucky as I thought several years ago when that horse fell with me and stepped on my face. What I thought was just a fat lip also included a damaged tooth!
I found it fairly amusing that when I asked how long it would be before I could eat, the nurse replied with, "Any time you're ready, just don't forget that your lips are numb." Gee, really? How could I possibly forget that one side of my mouth was drooping? I'm constantly touching my face to see if there is drool running down my chin! Seeing as how I'm not quite ready for the nursing home, this is not a normal state of affairs for me. Anyway, I have lots to write about later, after I sober up. Or maybe I should do it before. Might make for some interesting reading!
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