Jibber Jabber

I found my battery charger. I thought that's why I wasn't posting but charger or no charger, I'm lazy. Since I found my charger by posting it to blogland... can have a million dollars?

I got a new cell phone. I've had a dinosaur for quite a while. I talked Andy into getting one as well. We finally have texting. We have always been able to text on our dinosaur phones but it took me 15 minutes to complete a sentence. As soon as we got our phones we waited for someone to text us. It's like we expected everyone to text us like they magically knew we had new phones. You'd think we were in Jr. High with the things. So come on peeps, text me!

Here's a confession...I'm training for a triathlon. I wish I could say that like I'm feeling all cool and athletic about it. There are several reasons why I'm doing this. First, my friend Lizz who trains at the gym, is giving us a free training course. I can't pass that opportunity. Second, I want to get back into swimming but I don't have the guts to do it by myself (I've been waking up at 5 AM to swim). Third, I want to get into cycling but I don't have the ambition. Now the only problem is that I actually have to do it. Tonight I went with the group for a 13 mile bike ride. Scared me to death. I felt like a kid learning how to ride her bike for the first time (note to self, close your mouth while you ride). 13 miles is the length of the race. Then I have to get off the bike and run a 5K!!! Seriously, I will be the last one to go to the finish line. I'm the one that boosts your ego because I finish last. Should I even do this? The closer the race gets, the less I'll be able to sleep. Oh why do I do this to myself???

Finally, a small note to Andy... I backed the car into a pole today. Fortunately, I did not damage the car but I did damage the pole. We have a pretty tough car.

Dear Battery Charger...

Dear Battery Charger For My Camera,

I can't find you anywhere. I've looked high and low with no luck. Please show up soon so I can download my pictures.

Thanks,

Your Owner

Thankful Thursday

I love this lady, my kids pediatrician, Dr. Fruin. I kind of feel like I'm stalking her because I looked her up online and found this photo of her. She has been the most reliable Dr. we've had. A few days ago I called her and asked her about Kate's possible diagnosis of neurofibromatosis. She called me back. I knew she would. Anyway, she answered some of my questions and then told me she was going to look into seeing a specialist for the condition. By the end of the day, she had found a Dr. who specializes in the condition, found an appointment for Kate, and had already faxed the referral. I don't think we will be seeing the dermatologist as planned. Instead we will be seeing a Dr. in the genetic department in September. It normally takes over a year to make an appointment in this department and we are going in September. What a blessing! Not only do we have a Dr. who specializes in neurofibromatosis, I also have a pediatrician who is looking out for us. So for now, I put the issue on the back burner until September. So many people have extended their love and concern for Kate. Thank you!

Celebrate!

I loved my birthday this year! Jane posted that she was going to do 40 random acts of kindness to celebrate her 40th. I am certain I was the recipient of 40 random acts of kindness for my birthday. A huge THANK YOU to all my friends who made the day the best birthday ever!!!

8 is Great...If your name is Michael

Michael celebrated his 8th birthday yesterday. I can honestly say I don't know exactly what to say about this child. Maybe...if they are yours then you love them. I would not say love has been a word in my vocabulary this week. ENTITLEMENT is better. You'd think Michael Jackson had his will-and-trust read and my son had inherited millions. This week he's acted like a little smarty pants thinking that he's-all-that-and-more. Our lives should revolve around him because it's his birthday. I've made it very clear that is not true. In fact, here's my blog confession. I was SO MAD at this little boy I called him a pain-in-the-ass. I did. I HAD it with his attitude. There were brief moments of guilt as I reviewed the incidence in my head. I wondered how much our future counseling session would cost when he confronts me about "swearing" at him. But these were just moments. While I was at the store in the early morning I got a call from him on my cell phone:

Michael: Mom when are you coming home?

Me: in a minute.

Michael: what are you getting?

Me: just some food.

Michael: don't you have something you want to say to me?

Me: hope you have a good day?

Micheal: no....

Me: Happy Birthday?

Michael: thank you.

I'm certain that this entitlement thing he's going through has come from his father. How could I ever raise a child like this?

But I have to admit, by the end of the day, he was pretty cute. He was very appreciative to everyone who brought him presents (he got a lot and he didn't even have a party). Cute Cori across the street took him to the movies for his birthday. Just Cori and Michael went. It melted my heart that she would think to invite him to do that for his birthday. By the end of the day I actually loved the kid. Happy 8th to my little scout.

Update on Kate

Ketchup for dinner anyone? Kate had her first doctor's appointment today. She saw a pediatric opthamologist who checked her eyes for lesions. The Dr. said that lesions in the eyes contribute to the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis. Fortunately, her eyes are clear! A huge relief for us. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean she is free from the condition. We still have to visit the pediatric dermatologist to see what he thinks about the marks on her belly and back. Another bummer is that he wants to see us again in year to recheck her eyes. I was hoping this would be a "yes or no" diagnosis but it looks like we will have to be watching this for a while. I was very appreciative of the care of the doctor that examined Kate. He said, "your job as a parent is to raise your children. It's our job to worry about your child's health. Don't obsess about this." August 17th is our next appointment. On with the summer...

Sweet Kate

Over a month I ago I went to the girls 15 month well-check. To my surprise, The Dr. suggested I take Kate to Primary Children's Hospital to be checked for neurofibromatosis. Kate has little brown marks on her body that look like birth marks. I made the appointments and put the issue on the back burner. Kate's first appointment is Monday. Last week I finally got the guts to look online and see what a diagnosis entails. Web sites say that the patient has to have 5-6 marks, or more, to be diagnosed. Kate has more than 6. I have been a mess ever since. Luckily, I've talked with some supportive friends and Andy and am not so emotional. Since tomorrow is Fast Sunday, I am asking my friends and family to say a little prayer for Kate. Kate has been our sweetest baby. She is well-natured, full of love, and easy going. I can't go into more details since I'm trying to keep-it-together but please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.