A First of the Worst Kind

So, this afternoon, we finally walk into our cozy condo after a long two days away... and little man walks through the entry way, looks around, and throws both his hands into the air, yelling: HOOOOMMMMEEEE!

It was especially heartwarming since we've been in the hospital these past 40 hours or so (is that all? It seemed much longer).

We went to the ER because Kaden was having some trouble breathing. They got us into triage and then an ER room *right away* (more anxiety)... two breathing treatments, some tylenol, a few chest xrays, and a short nap later... he gets admitted.

an exhausted sickie catching some zzz.

the thing on his arm is a "no-no" brace, to cover and keep safe the IV.

the wires on the bottom are the oxygen sensor on his big toe (!)

We all got a total of about 4-5 hours sleep (intermittently) between all the tests / meds / breathing treatments.... but the end result is that he had "restrictive airway disorder" which is a one time asthma incident. Apparently it has to be chronic to be asthma.

After a full day of monitoring, treatments, meds, and more sleep... He was well enough to earn him (and us) a well deserved trip home this afternoon.

A good use of time coming home...

Many, many thanks to all of you we texted and were praying for him... and especially to Kim, Elizabeth & Frank, and Nana... for suggesting we drive the extra 20 minutes for the peds hospital, as well as general support and visits.

happy to be home

Happy February!!

You can tell by my whopping TWO posts this whole year that something is up.
Am I renouncing blogging in 2010?
Did life explode into more busy-ness?
or was it just two non-networked computers each catching a virus and rendering me without internet for a few weeks?

I think it was the last one, but no guaruntees. In any case, I'm fresh out of blog thoughts right now, so I'll conveniently borrow the following format from a friend:

SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK
(or, abbreviated nightbook)

Outside my window: It's dark. and cold. (in the fifties for you non-florida folk).

I am thinking: That I ought to be looking up cruise info, or ordering photos, or sleeping. I think the last one will win out next.

I am thankful for: my family, especially the ones who put up with me on a regular basis.

I am wearing: long sleeve PJ shirt, and flannel pants. the pants will be switched out before I go to bed, though, as I've just realized they were peed on during the midnight-dipe-change.

I am going: to bed, to work, and home again. If I'm lucky, we'll visit some friends. That's about all life is lately, folks.

I am currently reading: an interesting, if heavily footnoted, book called NUDGE, about how and why we make (dumb) decisions, and how to improve them. Also, about three different magazines: Catechist, Pastoral Ministry Today, and Women's Day. I get another two on parenting, but am waiting for the newer editions. Oh, and last week I finished a fairly neat novel by Ad Hudler- check him out for light and fun reads about living in the South or in Florida.

I am hoping: that people will gather for mom's bday this summer.

I am hearing: loud snoring by the big man and quiet snore-breathing by the little one through the monitor.

From the kitchen: the breakfast cookies were decent, but I'm hoping to get to the apple muffin mix (from NC!) this week. mom's meatloaf is on tap for tomorrow- yum.

Around the house: well, the Christmas wreath is on the front door. but the carpet on the porch is down (tiles made from recycled bottles!). so now we just have to figure out the rest of it - shelving, definitely. But we might be changing our minds about the gate down the middle- there's so much space out there!!

and that's all for now, folks. If you have anything you're really interested in knowing, drop me a line!

Just Checking In

Hi all... things are fine in our usual world, but our computers (both) are down... and work is crazy and so I have no time/opportunity to email or post or facebook. and the earthquakes in Haiti have also rattled my heart a bit. we've been attending a parish mission at another church though, and the songs and prayers we've offered up for haitians have eased a bit of my burden... and hopefully we'll be able to help in some ongoing way too.

if you haven't donated anywhere yet, please consider visiting Catholic Relief Services or Beyond Borders ... both excellent organizations that were already committed to the nation and her people before the quake. Both have great track records with getting the money to serve the people (not just a few leaders).

Also, Kaden is growing in leaps and bounds. He had a fun time with Aunt Donna and cousin Nathan. He shakes his head and says no when we ask if he misses them. But then again, he does that when asked if he misses Daddy or Mama when we're away too. Don't take it personal. Quick last story for today--- the other day, after Communion, he and I are sitting at the very end of the row. He wiggles and I don't pay attention, but when I hear "HI!" I pick up my head... and realize he's been high fiving or waving at every. single. person. who. walked. past.

happy new year!

I blinked, and now it's 2010. Can you imagine the audacity of time?

We celebrated a "Scottish New Year", which mostly consisted of having a few folks over for dinner, then firing up the internet and watching the Hogmany Live from Edinburgh. It was a tad more restrained than the Times Square Rocking parties (though a few friends assure me the unofficial celebrations are just as rowdy). Anywho, with a minute to midnight, they focused in on a single bagpiper next to a cool fire... and then massive fireworks lit the sky precisely as the New Year began.

Which was 7pm our time, folks. Does it get any sweeter than that? We shared a bit of champagne, then sent our tall, dark haired man out the back door and to the front for the First Footing. A bit of tea and Hobnobs, a bit of Columba blended whisky, a bit (more) juice and cookies for the kiddos... and then friends & kiddos happily left for home (well, the parentals anyway). Before 9pm. Brilliant!

And now on to 2010... which already seems a very cool year indeed!