Summer fun!

I feel like this summer has really gone by fast. Probably because we've been in Chicago so much and I've started school, but we have done fun things for sure!

The biggest and best {in my opinion} thing that happened was the dance recital. Man I have a cute kid!

We've also been the splash park

 We've been to the zoo

Went on vacation with Jess and Jake to Splash Universe

Been swimming at Grandma Sadie's multiple times

 And taken naps with our dog

So I guess we have done a lot. Throw some gymnastics and dance classes in there, a bunch of trips to Chicago (for doctor appointments) and that's been our summer until now. July slows down a bit with appoints and things but I see more pool days for us. August we plan on going camping and then school starts in September {Can I freak out yet?!}

That's been our summer so far!

Dear Me: 3.5 years ago.

Hi!

When that precious little baby comes, don't worry over everything. Don't be so worried about "another person raising your kid" (daycare), Addison will absolutely love it. You'll also meet some amazing mommas and she will meet her bestest friend forever in the process.

You'll get thrown up on. Projectile vomit style many times. Sometimes not just formula either. The time with freshly eaten eggs was probably the best.

Oh so you will never let your child have a pacifier or a lovey? Ya, not going to happen. 3.5 years later that blanket (also known as "B") will go everywhere with you. And FORGET about washing it. WW3 better happen before it gets washed.

And bottles. "No bottles after 1, we are done!". Try 15 months..and that was hard. But you'll realize it's just for comfort and not for food. and there will be sippy cup in bed, no getting rid of it any time soon.

For everything that is good in this world, tell her no. Do not let her be one of those little brats that run the house. Sure let her get away with some things, but other times, put your foot down. You're the mom. Pick your battles.

Let her be independent. She's stubborn and strong willed just like her daddy, fighting is only going to make it worse. Speaking of dad, MAKE her spend time with him. He works crazy hours and when he's home he just wants to be with his baby girl. Also, make HIM spend time with her. The computer can wait. Sports can wait. She won't be little forever.

Teach her not to be a bully and to stick up for her friends and herself. Teach her to defend herself. Kids are mean, even little 3 year olds. It is NOT ok to be mean.

Put her in sports at a young age. Don't let her be a hermit like you were. She will grow to love dance and gymnastics. Grow with her. Be that stage mom, cry at her first recital {oh, did I fail to mention that? Ya. Like.A.Baby!!!}, and be proud when she does something, even it's not the greatest. Quality over quantity.

PLEASE!!! Don't stress over preschool! It's just preschool. She doesn't have to get into the best school because "all the cool kids are". Well you know what, cool kids don't always get the good grades. Cool kids are probably beyond spoiled and raised by helicopter moms. Find a school that you and Kyle like and go with it. It's JUST preschool.

OH and all those birthday parties that you have for her? WHO THE HELL CARES WHAT EVERYONE ELSE SAYS! They didn't pay for it so if you want to have 10 parties for her 3rd birthday, go for it. If you want to spend $25 on a princess cake because she's obsessed, do it. If you're planning a 1/2 birthday party in the summer so she gets to experience that pool or bounce house party, do it. It's none of other people's business how many parties she has or how much you spend on them. She's your only child. And her birthday. Party on!

I think that's it for now. I'm sure there's more but for now, just cherish every moment because the time really does fly and she won't be little forever.

Little Ballerina

Oh Addison, my little ballerina. Tonight was her first recital and she (and the class) did absolutely amazingly well! I was in tears I was so proud of her! I didn't take any pictures because I was too busy focusing on her but I did get the professional DVD so I should have that soon. I did take some before and after though. Here's the dress rehearsal video, take this and multiply it times 100 and THAT'S how well they performed. Even though all of the family and friends left we stayed so she could watch the big kids and participate in the finale. She loved it!! She's already asking when she can go back on stage. :Sigh: I'm not ready for my baby to be this big yet.

Happy Father's Day!

...Ok, it's a day late. I know, I know. We had a busy weekend!

I made Kyle this gift after seeing it on Pinterest

and bought him this one from Kohls. Pretty sure loved them both.

I also found this little thing on Pinterest and we filled this out.

Since it was Father's Day, I let Kyle do whatever he wanted. He chose to sleep all day. So Addi and I packed up our stuff and headed over to the inlaws to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go swimming. 6 hours in the pool. 3 times reapplying SPF 50. And I still burnt. Addi on the other hand? She looks Mexican. Too bad she didn't sleep in today. Up bright and early wanting to watch the Nutcracker. Yep. It's June 18th, well aware. She's also asking where Santa is and how much longer until Christmas. Christmas?! Are you kidding me? Kid, it's only June. Slow down!

Anyways, hope everyone enjoyed their day!

Hear that school bell?

You are now looking at a college student (again)!!! I'm so excited to be back in school. I'm getting my associates in medical assisting and if I only do 2 classes a semester with no summer school (although I'd like to take any classes that are offered) I will be done fall 2014. Whoa. 1 of those years is externships where I'm hoping to get a job at the site. Sometimes the places keep the students, sometimes they don't, it really all depends if they need help. Speaking of school, Addi will *hopefully* be starting preschool in the fall. Wait. What?! I can't believe it's even possible for me to have a preschooler. My little baby is growing up fast :(. We have a couple options. She's the 1st person on the waiting list at a school called Sandpiper Co-Op preschool in Ogden Dunes. The other is called Smart Start. It's located at St. Peters Lutheran Church on 1100N in town. That place seems wonderful too. Smart start works closely with all the kindergartens in the areas to get the kids on track for school. AND! Kindergarten is now (free) full time! Woohoo!

Wordless Wednesday

I.Loathe.Genetics.

Well it's {un}official.

Addi has PKD. I talked to the NP at the nephrology department for a good 20 minutes today. Basically getting my family background and going over test results. Since she just had all this blood work done there's no need to do it all again. She will continued to get monitored by the best nephrologist there, Dr. Bobrowski. We don't go in for an appointment until August. They want to continue checking her blood pressure, u/s and creatinine levels  for any signs the cysts are getting worse. 

 Ugh. This sucks. While this isn't a death sentence by any means, just knowing my families history of it scares the living crap out of me.

It just worries me that if the cysts are already this big, what's going to happen in another 3 years?

So at least that's one "problem" out of the way. Now to figure out what's causing her to throw up....

It's baaaaacccckkkkk

When addi was a baby she had horrible separation anxiety. I could barely even step foot in our kitchen before she'd freak out. Leave her with Kyle? Ha you're funny. A sitter? Hilarous. When I went back to work in '09 it really was the best thing for us. Working on and off for the past 2.5 years has really been great. But now that I've been off for 6 months and she's with me 5 out of 7 days a week 24/7? It's back. With a vengeance. I can't remember the last time I showered without a child in the room. Or got dressed by myself. Or sat on the couch with out a child on my lap. Or slept in my bed by myself (Kyle's on midnights). She HATES being alone. Especially at night. She sleeps with a lamp on, 2 night lights and over 100 glow in the dark stars on her wall. I don't know how she even falls asleep with all that on. At some point in the middle of the night she creeps into my room, gets on Kyles side and goes back to sleep. I don't hear her anymore and sure don't feel her in bed. Sneaky little child I tell ya. Oh and don't even mention me going back to school (during her school hours). Be prepared for a WW3 meltdown. If I'm not in seeing distance she freaks out. I always joke that the umbilical cord is getting stretched a little far when she's playing by herself, realizes I'm not there and freaks out. I know it's just a phase but come on, when does it end?? Any suggestions??

Urologist=waste of time

Well. Good part of Thursday? New children's memorial is beautiful. I can't wait to see it completely done. Bad part? The urologist was NO help at all. Hes sending us to a nephrologist. Hmmm isn't that where she should have gone in the first place?? She doesn't have a UPJ. The cyst is on the upper portion of her kidney (good news). Still don't know if it's PKD or not. Sooooo now we are going to the kidney dr. Who is looking over her test results BEFORE making the appt. such a genius idea. But seriously? I'm just glad it's nothing serious (as of now). She's still happy and healthy and really, that's all that matters to us.

Just some...

Pictures of my beautiful princess

Tomorrow

Tomorrow we have our appointment with the urologist. I'm really nervous to hear what he has to say. *fingers crossed* for good news.

Oh a different note.... May have found the culprit for all the throwing up. Since addi was old enough for juice we've given her V8 fusion bc of the fruit and veggies mixed in since shes not a huge fan of either. She hasn't had any for almost 2 weeks (that I can remember) and hasnt thrown up since 5/18-longest time in 5 months. This is just from us being out, no medical reason or doctors orders. Today I went grocery shopping and picked up some pomegranate/blueberry kind (her favorite). She had a few drinks while we read bedtime books. She said her throat hurt, ran to the bathroom and threw up a bunch. So needless to say she won't be getting that juice anymore. I will mention this to her GI dr when we see him next, maybes shes allergic to that????? I don't know if I've mentioned it but I've also stopped all meds, against dr's wishes. They weren't working, why continue to give them?

Ok off to bed. This momma is tired!

Children's Memorial...Day 2

Thursday addi had her X-ray with barium and abdominal ultrasound.

She was such a trooper during the X-ray and drinking the barium. I had to put on one of her favorite songs but in the end she handled it like a champ.

She thought the u/s was the coolest thing ever. It may have been that she was finally able to eat and drink or just seeing the things on the monitor, either way, that probably was her favorite test.

It did not go so well though. When the tech put the probe on her kidney I knew in an instant something was wrong. It was huge. And there was a black mass 3/4 the size of her kidney in it. There were also little cysts as well. I know what they look like since I have PKD and (use to) get u/s often.
I could tell the tech looked worried too. BUT she didn't show it though. So we finished up and she went to talk to the radiologist to make sure we didn't need any more pics. He said the pics were good and we'd have the results by days end.

{Right kidney...}

Let's just back up here. Dr. C ordered the u/s to check for an UPJ obstruction. In this type of obstruction, something is blocking the ureter from the kidney to the bladder. Turns out there is a blockage. The tech said we'd probably see a nephrologist and get more tests done but since she's not the dr she couldn't be 100% certain.

This is just another reason why I absolutely love children's memorial. Everyone there is so incredibly nice and actually cares about the patient and their families. Techs here wouldn't have answered my questions at all. The radiologist doing the X-ray actually straight up told me things were 100% clear. Love. This. Place.

Back to addi. I called today to get the results of her blood tests. Everything is coming back normal. Her creatinine level was .2 (perfect) and her urine was clear. The celiac test takes a week but the markers came back clear. The GI nurse wants her to see a urologist for the cysts. She has the huge cyst on her right kidney and multiple other ones on her left and in her renal tubes. Why not a nephrologist, I'm not sure. So that's what we are doing. Thursday 5/31 we will be back up at CM to meet with a urologist. When I spoke to dr bishop today (dr at associated peds-her primary drs), I got the impression that we are seeing the urologist for surgery. So we will see. I don't think she has PKD. I could be wrong. I don't think they really know what she has. But I know if it was life threatening they would have done emergency surgery. So for right now I'm just (anxiously) waiting until Thursday to get some answers.

The endoscopy is schedule for June 25th at the new CM in Chicago. She will be knocked out and also have the ph study placed at the same time too.

I've also stopped all of her meds and she hasn't thrown up since the weekend. She hasn't said her throat has hurt since Tuesday. The kidney issue and the acid reflux are not connected (that I know of), it's just a blessing in disguise that it was found.

I'll get the results of the celiac test tuesday but I'm sure they are normal.

Children's Memorial..Day 1

This was day one of who knows how many days we will have to be up there.

Our day started bright and early at 8:40. Surprisingly there wasn't a wait and the doctor saw us within 10 minutes of being in the room. He got a very thorough health history and decided it was time to run *a lot* of tests.

Today she got I think 7 vials of blood drawn, had an urinalysis (to check for diabetes) and needs a stool sample (to check for h.pylori). They are testing normal stuff like CBC, comphrensive metabolic profile, celiac disease, immunoglublin A (antibodies test), lipase (pancreas test), sedimentation rate (check to see if there's any inflammation), c-reactive protein (measures the amount of a certain protein in the blood).

She's also have an upper GI series done on Thursday. We are scheduling her abdominal ultrasound that day as well. Dr. C wants to check to make sure her intestines aren't curled up, constricting movement, causing her to have acid reflux.

IF all these tests come back normal, Dr. C. wants to do an upper endoscopy and ph-impedance study.

He's also stopping both of her meds and putting her on prilosec tabs (OTC) since it's a better medicine.

Phew. We were only at Children's for about 90 minutes and all of this was thrown at me. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.

SOMETHING has to come out of these tests.

Just want answers...

Well tomorrow is the big day. Addi and I will be at children's memorial getting tests done for her acid reflux. Hopefully they can figure out what's wrong. I have a long list of her symptoms and possible food triggers that I'm sure the dr will find helpful.

I havent been up at 5:30 in a long time. Neither has Addison. She will NOT be a happy camper in the morning.

Off to sleep I go. My alarm will be going off before I know it.

Big girl bed!

So I had been throwing around the idea of getting addi either a twin size bed or a toddler bed (that wasn't her crib) for a while now. As luck would have it, Kelly's relative is having a baby and asked us daycare mommas if we had any baby items we wanted to get rid of. JACKPOT!! I gave away Addi's baby bedding and decor, monitor, swing, high chair and some sheets.

While at a subdivision yard sale (please people, I need to get rid of addi's baby clothes. 0-3T... Anyone?!?!) Kelly told me about this girl she knows that has a princess bed for sale. At first I was just going to get her a plain bed and go from there. But then I saw a picture of this bed. I fell instantly in love.

Now, this bed costs $300. Yes. $300!!!!! Absolutely positively ridiculous! The bedding was probably $50 and the mattress $40-60. I got it all for $50. Yes $50!!! So I came home, took the crib apart and Kelly and Carlos brought over the bed. Addi is the happiest 3 yr old on the planet right now. She can't wait to sleep in it.

I'm pretty pumped with my yard sale find :)

Bedtime Routine

I started following this new blog {ok, not new to the blog world, just to me} and every week she posts a new topic and the followers join in. Kind of like the Wordless Wednesday and Friday Phone Dump posts I do. Ok, anyways, todays was about bedtime routines. I am so so so so so so so soooooo glad that Addi has been on the SAME routine since she was 2 months old. That's probably the #1 advice I give to new moms and dads. Put your kid on a schedule ASAP. It's tough in the beginning but in the end you'll love it. We sure do!

We eat dinner anywhere between 5-6:30 {depending on how lazy I am, who's hungry and if I need to defrost meat}, then after dinner we take a bath. I'll let Addi play in the bath for as long as she wants. Sometimes is 20 minutes, sometimes it's 45. Yes. 45 minutes. This kid could live in the water. After bath she gets out and she puts on her jammies and I brush her hair. Sometimes we will read stories or jump on the bed or just laugh at each other.

After that's all done we come back downstairs and pop in a movie or watch a show. She HAS to lay down while she's watching it. We usually cuddle or she lays on my lap and I'm catching up on my facebook or blog reading.

Between 8-8:30 she goes upstairs. Now this can go one of two ways. No matter which way the night goes, we always say our good part and bad part of the day. I'm not sure where I read this or heard of it but it's really cute.
1) She goes up to her room without a fight, lays down, gives kisses and passes out.
2) She kicks and screams that she's not tired {oh really???} and that she wants to see daddy or she needs 1 billion stuffed animals, baby dolls, toys and her explorer to sleep with. Then she has to pee. And she needs more water. And other kiss. Or hug. Kid drives me crazy sometimes! This "routine" goes until like 8:45. By then I want to beat her (JK!!! i would never do that!!).

She sleeps until 7:30-8am. and we start the day all over again!


How does your bedtime routine go? Follow along with the rest of the mommas over at Growing up Geeky!

Friday Phone Dump

Lunch at Target (then some shopping!)

Making muffins for breakfast

Power ranger pose!

Not very happy the other morning

Doc McAddi and her first patient (she LOVES Doc McStuffins on Nickjr)

The doctor taking care of a sick kitty cat

Just some questions

Saw this on Pintrest and thought I'd give it a try with Addi. So here we go!

1. Something mom always says to you? "i'm a stinker"
2. What makes mom happy? "making silly faces"
3. What makes mom sad? "when i don't listen"
4. How does mom make you laugh? "tickle me!!"
5. What was mom like as a child? "i dont know"
6. How old is mom? "7"
7. How tall is mom? "this big!!"
8. What is mom’s favorite thing to do? "tickle me"
9. What does mom do when you’re not around? "clean the house"
10. If mom becomes famous, what will it be for? "making dinner"
11. What is mom really good at? "making booboos go away"
12. What is mom not very good at? "you don't like birds"
13. What does mom do for her job? "taking care of me"
14. What is mom’s favorite food? "chocolate"
15. What makes you proud of mom? "make food for me"
16. What cartoon character would mom be? "daisy from mickey mouse"
17. What do you and mom do together? "go shopping at target  and play with toys"
18. How are you and mom the same? "we aren't the same"
19. How are you and mom different? "i'm little and you're big."
20. How do you know mom loves you? "you give me hugs and kisses and say I love you all the time"
21. Where is mom’s favorite place to go? "target!"

Addi, aged 3

Happy {non}iversary Kyle!

9 years ago today marks the day Kyle kissed me after a horrible day.

We weren't "suppose" to date because we were best friends and "best friends don't date". We kept our relationship a secret for a couple months even though I'm pretty sure everyone knew. On July 22nd Kyle told me he loved me. And the rest is history.

We've been through so much together but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here's to many more (non)iversaries baby. I love you more than you'll ever know! Thank you for everything you've ever done for me (and Addison).

Day in the life....

So a lot of bloggers have been doing a "day in the life of..." post and I thought I would join in.

Today addi woke up at 9:45. Yes, 9:45. I almost had a heart attack. She was up from 4am-9pm the day before so I'm sure she was exhausted.

I had already showered and got dressed since I woke up at 8. I threw some clothes on Addi and out the door we went. We met up with Jess at Natural Nails for a pedicure. Addi got her fingers and toes painted. She loves getting them done by "the lady's at the nail place". I may have created a monster.

At 11:30 we headed out to Lighthouse Mall for some new Crocs. I swear she grows out of them before the summer is over but they are so easy to clean and throw on I really don't care. We then headed over to Carter's and picked up a new dress for her, Emileigh and Olivia and shirts for Mason and Brayden. The dresses may or may not all match :)

{Addi's is yellow with an orage flower. She wore it yesterday. And she currently lives in her Crocs so no picture...}

By 1:30 we were home and I sent her outside to play so I could clean the kitchen. While I had a cleaning bug I cleaned out my car and started the bathroom. Addi asked to play games so I stopped to play with her. My house can wait, my baby won't be little forever. By 2:30 I realized that we hadn't ate lunch yet so I popped some chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries in the toaster oven and played a ravishing game of Richard Scarry's busy town eye found it. Addi "won" in case you're wondering. We ate lunch while watching power rangers and took a little rest after. Since Addi doesn't nap anymore we have rest time after lunch. She has to lay down for at least an hour. It's a nice break to our otherwise crazy day.

Around 4 or so we got up and played some more. I really forgot to take a lot of picutres but we read books, went to the grocery store and around 6:30 I cooked dinner (yummy Italian sausage on the grill and some noodle thing from a bag). After dinner we cleaned up, put on jammies and cuddled on the couch watching Super Why. Bedtime was at 8, actually going to bed was about 8:30-8:45 after the constant "mommy I need a tissue", "mommy i need to go potty!!", "mommy can I have my game? Please?! Just one game I promise!" I stayed up until 11:30 or so catching up on my shows and doing laundry.

And that's a day in the life of us!

Friday phone dump

We haven't done much this week, except play outside in our newly (re)fenced yard, watch power rangers, visit Ms. Rachael and Bailey, play with Jake, and end with cuddling with Cory. Pretty good week :)

SUYL: moms of girls

This week over at Kelly's Korner, it's all about being a mom to girls (or girl in my case). I absolutely positively love being a mom to a little princess. From the moment I knew where babies came from I always wanted to have a girl first then boy. So when I got pregnant with Addison I hoped and prayed I'd have a little girl first. My nana had died a few months before I got pregnant so I'd always "talk" to her asking her to give me a girl. She knew how much I not only desperately wanted a baby, but a girl at that. For 20 long weeks I had to wait to find out the sex of my baby. Kyle and I already had a boys name but we were stuck on a girls. I of course went out and bought baby name books and spent countless hours online looking for thr perfect one. One night we were eating dinner at Applebee's with a friend and the Cubs were playing. Kyle said "how about Addison if it's a girl? Wrigley is on Clark and Addison and we both like the cubs and it's a pretty name, what do you think?". I.was.in.love. Then at 19 weeks we found out we were having a girl and I cried like a baby. I was so incredibly over the moon happy.

And the rest is history.

I'm a girly girl at heart so to have a daughter who loves to play dress up and put makeup on and play with babies, babies, have tea parties and loves thr color pink is amazing.

At the same time though she's a tomboy. She loves to be outside and get dirty. While in a dress or skirt mind you.

Early Easter

On Sunday we had Easter dinner at the inlaws. It was nice to see them and their new kitchen/living room and Addi loves to go over there. I'm glad the weather cleared up in time for the egg hunt. Addi had such a blast looking for the eggs. In tradition, one of the eggs was lost again. She blamed it on the squirrels so she pounded on a tree saying "Give it back!! It's mine!!" LOL too cute!

This weekend we have dinner and a hunt at my dads house. And I get to see my niece and nephews (they are in Texas). I miss them sooooo much!