Sometimes my brother sends me these emails with hilarious pictures of people at Walmart clothed in a way that is absurd. The pictures are almost unbelievable. When I look at them I think seriously people go,out this way. Today as I walked into Texas Roadhouse to get to-go and I hoped no one had a camera......
Our day was a lovely one. As a matter of fact, we have had a great week so far. This morning we started our day with a visit to Dr. Reibman, our ped, for Sloane's 3 year old visit. I had no real concerns other than that I can't keep up with the amount of food Sloane is eating these days. I do not know where she puts it. For example, breakfast today was: a pancake, an egg covered in cheese, a yogurt stick, a handful of blueberries with some almonds to top it off! Sloane eats more than I do many days.
Our check in visit went well. There were no red flags.....im sure this is the way most check in/ well visits are for many children. We, on the other hand, have always had laryngeal cleft issues at all visits so today was quiet different for me in a wonderful way.
Sloane gained 5 1/2 lbs this year and grew almost 5 inches. The inches are in the legs!! It is ridiculous. In this house we say that our daughter keeps getting blonder and her legs keep getting longer.....2 things that aren't going to help at the marina in years to come!! Lol I didn't really have to go today with Sloane to see Dr Reibman. She handled it herself. Seriously! Answered all the questions and even elaborated on the whys at times. Proud was the word for how I felt today listening to her chat with her ped.
As soon as we hit the road with our "good job" lollipops in hand, we headed to the sandy beach. In this family, we either say we are going to the beach or the sandy beach. The beach is our family summer home and the sandy beach is in fact the sandy beach. Sloane and I spent the day jumping some waves and building some castles. This is the part that makes the day ever so lovely.....we take a very short drive to the beach house from the sandy beach. We clean up. One of us naps and the other reads, relaxes and rejunevates on a very comfy lounge chair. This post is surely not making my hubby smile with glee....lol
Today we decided to stay for Mammie and Poppie's arrival home. Sloane wandered around dipping into the pool waiting for the minutes to pass until her entertainment arrived in the form of 2 grown ups!! Once all the play was over thanks to mom, a tubby had happened, and every snack Mammie could offer had been grazed on, we headed home. My hubby, who is still recuperating but on the upswing....thank you GOD, was awaiting our arrival. He had told me many of times to stay at the beach, Sloane had begged many times to stay at the beach, Mammie and Poppie had reminded me many times tonight that I could stay at the beach but I wanted to come home. I offered to pick up supper on my way. It was the least I could do seeing as though I didn't cook it...lol
I pull into Texas Roadhouse looking for curbside pickup....it's no where to be found! I want to cry. Why? Well, let's just say I could have been photographed and put on one of those Walmart emails. I had given Sloane a tubby. She looked squeaky clean, smelled ever so fresh and was dressed in frilly summer get up. I, on the other hand, was a freakin mess. Bathing suit still on under a stained coverup. Hair sandy and thrown in a ponytail and I'm pretty sure I still had sand layered on my calves. It was 7pm and truly was these was no reason for me to be this a mess. I was a white trash scene that was going to have to walk into...yes inside....Texas Roadhouse during the very busy dinner time rush. I threw Sloane on my hip and hoped for the best.
All I could think was no flash photography...please!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Half Way There
Can it be?? Is Sloane really 3??? Our family celebrated Sloane's 3rd birthday this past weekend with a Fresh Beat Band party complete with a concert preformed by my little rockstar. Saturday, July 20th, was her actual birthday so I spent the 48 hours surrounding that day thinking back to life 3 years ago. It has been truly a fantastic journey that has helped all three of us grow as a family. I cant help but reflect on where we have been and how much more relaxed we have become in our Laryngeal Cleft world.
We have been on the go for the past month with nothing more than normal summer activities. My apologies for my disappearing act. I am always bothered by the blogs that just stop with no for warning and I do not want to be one of them. I was surprised to see that over the past month we gained a significant amount of readers from over seas!! Very exciting. I did stop to wonder if a Laryngeal Cleft is becoming less rare based on the searches that followers are doing to end up at A Sip Of Heaven.
I cant believe it is mid-July. Now, most people say...... only 6 weeks until summer is over. I say "we have made it half way thru the summer without any illness" and then there is a big knock on wood!! Our appointment with Dr. Rahbar is September 17th. If Sloane stays healthy until then, surgery is not a definite. It is optional based on our thoughts about her progress and her swallowing experiences over the summer.
Sloane has been having more experiences drinking from an open cup and I have to say she is doing a very good job. It, of course, is supervised as it would be with any 3 year old. She has even started to put straws in bottles and manage the drinking process herself. There have been moments of aspiration. That is clear, but in my heart or hearts I truly believe it is a volume control issue. Sloane takes too big of a gulp and then can not process the swallow efficiently. I am sure this is a laryngeal cleft issue and a normal toddler concern.
My hubby gives Sloane the royal privlege of spitting out her gulp if it is too big. She adores this new rule. Too much if you ask me!! So I have in classic helicopter mom started monitoring the size of the sip to see if it "spit it out" worthy. LOL
I am blogging today from an unlikely spot. Usually its from my couch after the lights have been turned off. Today, though, it's from the surgical waiting room at Mass Eye and Ear. My hubby is having, yet, another surgery later today. We are on the once a year schedule....lol! Now, this procedure is not life threatening, but nevertheless it is surgery and not ideal. When we arrived today, I saw a child with what appeared to be a considerable eye issue and at that moment I thought......Sloane's eyes.....God Bless them! A laryngeal cleft is one thing but eyes are a whole other bag of chips.
We have been on the go for the past month with nothing more than normal summer activities. My apologies for my disappearing act. I am always bothered by the blogs that just stop with no for warning and I do not want to be one of them. I was surprised to see that over the past month we gained a significant amount of readers from over seas!! Very exciting. I did stop to wonder if a Laryngeal Cleft is becoming less rare based on the searches that followers are doing to end up at A Sip Of Heaven.
I cant believe it is mid-July. Now, most people say...... only 6 weeks until summer is over. I say "we have made it half way thru the summer without any illness" and then there is a big knock on wood!! Our appointment with Dr. Rahbar is September 17th. If Sloane stays healthy until then, surgery is not a definite. It is optional based on our thoughts about her progress and her swallowing experiences over the summer.
Sloane has been having more experiences drinking from an open cup and I have to say she is doing a very good job. It, of course, is supervised as it would be with any 3 year old. She has even started to put straws in bottles and manage the drinking process herself. There have been moments of aspiration. That is clear, but in my heart or hearts I truly believe it is a volume control issue. Sloane takes too big of a gulp and then can not process the swallow efficiently. I am sure this is a laryngeal cleft issue and a normal toddler concern.
My hubby gives Sloane the royal privlege of spitting out her gulp if it is too big. She adores this new rule. Too much if you ask me!! So I have in classic helicopter mom started monitoring the size of the sip to see if it "spit it out" worthy. LOL
I am blogging today from an unlikely spot. Usually its from my couch after the lights have been turned off. Today, though, it's from the surgical waiting room at Mass Eye and Ear. My hubby is having, yet, another surgery later today. We are on the once a year schedule....lol! Now, this procedure is not life threatening, but nevertheless it is surgery and not ideal. When we arrived today, I saw a child with what appeared to be a considerable eye issue and at that moment I thought......Sloane's eyes.....God Bless them! A laryngeal cleft is one thing but eyes are a whole other bag of chips.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
One Child Who....
Bible Camp made me a new woman! It's a fact. My therapist, who I have been seeing for ove 10 years, said she couldnt remember seeing me so light hearted and relaxed at our appointment yesterday. Bible Camp was the 2nd best idea my mil has ever had. This blog being the best one yet.
I do feel a bit guilty admitting publicly that I adored having some time to myself without worrying about getting back in a timely fashion. 3 1/2 hours was a long time for me to have to myself everyday. In an average week, I have 3 1/2 hours to myself weekly. It was clear by the end of the week that I am finally ready to let Sloane out of sight to have time with her peers.
Now, we all know that Sloane has been ready to let me out of her sight for a while, but I have been holding on tight. She made it clear this week. Sloane loved Bible Camp and even made it through 10 minutes of yesterday's recital. I had told a mom I met on Thursday that I wasnt going to keep her there for the recital because she gets punch drunk by 12:30 and 12:30 was recital time. The mom said "oh no, let her stay. Every year there is one child who steals the show." My response was "oh, but I don't want my child to be that child. Staying for the recital would be a struggle since her night, night was calling her."
Once Friday came, the excitement got the best of me and I decided to give the recital a shot. Sloane stood on stage with all the other preschoolers doing her thing ( Sloane loves a good stage) until she saw Shu. And that's when it happened. Sloane became the one child that everyone remembers from the Bible Camp recital.
Let me set the scene. Sloane sees Shu and while the religious education director is addressing the entire auditorium over a microphone and Sloane screams SHU....SHU....There's SHU. And the congregation burst out laughing.
After Sloane woke up from her night, night on Friday afternoon, the first thing she said to me was "momma, what are going to do for camp next?" lol
I do feel a bit guilty admitting publicly that I adored having some time to myself without worrying about getting back in a timely fashion. 3 1/2 hours was a long time for me to have to myself everyday. In an average week, I have 3 1/2 hours to myself weekly. It was clear by the end of the week that I am finally ready to let Sloane out of sight to have time with her peers.
Now, we all know that Sloane has been ready to let me out of her sight for a while, but I have been holding on tight. She made it clear this week. Sloane loved Bible Camp and even made it through 10 minutes of yesterday's recital. I had told a mom I met on Thursday that I wasnt going to keep her there for the recital because she gets punch drunk by 12:30 and 12:30 was recital time. The mom said "oh no, let her stay. Every year there is one child who steals the show." My response was "oh, but I don't want my child to be that child. Staying for the recital would be a struggle since her night, night was calling her."
Once Friday came, the excitement got the best of me and I decided to give the recital a shot. Sloane stood on stage with all the other preschoolers doing her thing ( Sloane loves a good stage) until she saw Shu. And that's when it happened. Sloane became the one child that everyone remembers from the Bible Camp recital.
Let me set the scene. Sloane sees Shu and while the religious education director is addressing the entire auditorium over a microphone and Sloane screams SHU....SHU....There's SHU. And the congregation burst out laughing.
After Sloane woke up from her night, night on Friday afternoon, the first thing she said to me was "momma, what are going to do for camp next?" lol
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Bible Camp Rocks
Half way there people! 2 days down and 2 more to go! Today was a bit more enjoyable for this mom. Lol! I went to the gym freely and then sat by the pool with a trashy magazine for 2 hours! Amazing! Bible Camp Rocks! Hahahaha
I was worried because nonni was not going to be at the church today, but all went off without a hitch it sounded like. Sloane's buddy did say that she had a hard time following directions today. My initial thought on that is that Sloane is 3 and following directions isn't her speciality especially close to nap time. Hence, the scene I walked in on today at 12:30....the entire group of maybe 50 kids singing with hand motions through a new song while my child was twirling around and bopping. Lol
When I said yesterday that it takes a village, I meant it. This morning at drop-off, I saw Shu standing in the parking lot. Shu is Lou, my mil's significant other, that Sloane adores! I had to laugh because I knew deep down inside that my mil sent him to help me with the drop off because she wouldn't be there. LOL. All went well. Sloane held Shu's hand and her lunch bag as she walked into her preschool classroom.
I spent the next 3 1/2 hours in a way, I never have! The gym backed up with a few hours of relaxation on a lounge chair. This protocol has not happened in 4 years. It was dreamy! Yesterday, I did errands during my free time. That is pretty standard for me when someone is babysitting for me. Footloose and fancy free errands. Today, was different. Today was what I wish for somedays. A workout at the gym and some relaxation time in the sun!!!! Bible Camp Rocks!
Sloane's story when I picked her up was the same. She had fun, but she missed me. Sloane was punch drunk again. Bible Camp makes her T I R E D. Normally, Sloane sleeps about 2 hours a day.
Yesterday and today, my little lady slept 3 hours and woke up yawning. My party animal is rocking out at Bible Camp!
I was worried because nonni was not going to be at the church today, but all went off without a hitch it sounded like. Sloane's buddy did say that she had a hard time following directions today. My initial thought on that is that Sloane is 3 and following directions isn't her speciality especially close to nap time. Hence, the scene I walked in on today at 12:30....the entire group of maybe 50 kids singing with hand motions through a new song while my child was twirling around and bopping. Lol
When I said yesterday that it takes a village, I meant it. This morning at drop-off, I saw Shu standing in the parking lot. Shu is Lou, my mil's significant other, that Sloane adores! I had to laugh because I knew deep down inside that my mil sent him to help me with the drop off because she wouldn't be there. LOL. All went well. Sloane held Shu's hand and her lunch bag as she walked into her preschool classroom.
I spent the next 3 1/2 hours in a way, I never have! The gym backed up with a few hours of relaxation on a lounge chair. This protocol has not happened in 4 years. It was dreamy! Yesterday, I did errands during my free time. That is pretty standard for me when someone is babysitting for me. Footloose and fancy free errands. Today, was different. Today was what I wish for somedays. A workout at the gym and some relaxation time in the sun!!!! Bible Camp Rocks!
Sloane's story when I picked her up was the same. She had fun, but she missed me. Sloane was punch drunk again. Bible Camp makes her T I R E D. Normally, Sloane sleeps about 2 hours a day.
Yesterday and today, my little lady slept 3 hours and woke up yawning. My party animal is rocking out at Bible Camp!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
I missed you......
Well, we both survived! I have to say that when I first walked into the preschool room for Glory Days, I almost walked out. It was a bit chaotic and there wasn't an adult to be seen. I tried to relax knowing that my mil would be in the vicinity of Sloane all day. Once I got my bearings, I told my story to anyone that would listen. It went basically like this: I am Sloane's mom. This is the first time I have ever left her. I am nervous about leaving here right now, who is in charge of watching her?
The answer I got wasn't exactly what I was prepared for. Up walked a 12 year old who was going to be Sloane's buddy. Immediately, I thought, where is the adult buddy for the 12 year old. And the answer I got was a bit better, but not exactly what I was hoping for again. Up walked a 15 year old to watch the 12 year old and my almost 3 year old. Truly, I was looking for an adult? Where was the adult that was going to treat my child like her own??? I began to sweat a bit but tried to relax. All the while, Sloane is happily sitting on the floor coloring occasionally looking up to see me. Once I located the adult dressed in full costume, I was relieved and nervous at the same time. The costume didn't bother me. I am girl and a teacher who appreciates a good dress up every once in a while. It was the fact that my child was part of a such a large group and I wasn't in control that was making my hands clammy. I told this woman my story and she put me at ease. I was just getting settled spying on Sloane from the corner of the room, when I heard my mil's voice! Yikes! I knew she wasn't checking on Sloane but checking on Me!
Her eyes caught mine and she nodded me out the door. I thought about leaving, but instead I sat myself in the church's kitchenette to chat my story up with our priest. LOL. Father Ricard, bless his soul, listened intently and told me all my concerns were valid. And then off I went....not without looking in on Sloane's classroom again! I walked outside talking to myself a bit louder than necessary when a mom I have never seen before said "it'll be ok, enjoy your day, in ten minutes you will be fine." and I was!
My mil sent me hourly updates which made me feel so much better. My bathroom obsession went well because nonni took Sloane! Tomorrow will be a bit more tricky as nonni decided to take the day off.
When I picked up Sloane at 12:30, she was punch drunk. It was hysterical! She was tripping over herself. The helpers all said she was well behaved. I'll try to believe them! LOL. They also said that she said a few times....."i miss my mommy". Melts my heart! When we got in the car, she told me "I had fun, but I missed you. Where did you go?" LOVE!!!!!!!!!
I did find out when they were singing the song "We are Special", Sloane was singing......
Sloane and Nick sitting in a tree,
K I S S I N G
First comes love
Then comes marriage
Then comes Sloane with a baby carriage
How's that for wholesome Bible Camp parenting!!!! LOL I can't take the credit, one of the aunties taught Sloane her new song. It takes a village!
The answer I got wasn't exactly what I was prepared for. Up walked a 12 year old who was going to be Sloane's buddy. Immediately, I thought, where is the adult buddy for the 12 year old. And the answer I got was a bit better, but not exactly what I was hoping for again. Up walked a 15 year old to watch the 12 year old and my almost 3 year old. Truly, I was looking for an adult? Where was the adult that was going to treat my child like her own??? I began to sweat a bit but tried to relax. All the while, Sloane is happily sitting on the floor coloring occasionally looking up to see me. Once I located the adult dressed in full costume, I was relieved and nervous at the same time. The costume didn't bother me. I am girl and a teacher who appreciates a good dress up every once in a while. It was the fact that my child was part of a such a large group and I wasn't in control that was making my hands clammy. I told this woman my story and she put me at ease. I was just getting settled spying on Sloane from the corner of the room, when I heard my mil's voice! Yikes! I knew she wasn't checking on Sloane but checking on Me!
Her eyes caught mine and she nodded me out the door. I thought about leaving, but instead I sat myself in the church's kitchenette to chat my story up with our priest. LOL. Father Ricard, bless his soul, listened intently and told me all my concerns were valid. And then off I went....not without looking in on Sloane's classroom again! I walked outside talking to myself a bit louder than necessary when a mom I have never seen before said "it'll be ok, enjoy your day, in ten minutes you will be fine." and I was!
My mil sent me hourly updates which made me feel so much better. My bathroom obsession went well because nonni took Sloane! Tomorrow will be a bit more tricky as nonni decided to take the day off.
When I picked up Sloane at 12:30, she was punch drunk. It was hysterical! She was tripping over herself. The helpers all said she was well behaved. I'll try to believe them! LOL. They also said that she said a few times....."i miss my mommy". Melts my heart! When we got in the car, she told me "I had fun, but I missed you. Where did you go?" LOVE!!!!!!!!!
I did find out when they were singing the song "We are Special", Sloane was singing......
Sloane and Nick sitting in a tree,
K I S S I N G
First comes love
Then comes marriage
Then comes Sloane with a baby carriage
How's that for wholesome Bible Camp parenting!!!! LOL I can't take the credit, one of the aunties taught Sloane her new song. It takes a village!
Monday, June 24, 2013
It Sounded Fun
Tomorrow is the day! Sloane and I are officially separating for 3 1/2 hours for the first time in a "school" type way! Yikes! Sloane is going to Bible Camp for the week! Lol. Not really, bible camp, but it is camp at our church that teaches about the bible. More appropriately named Glory Days.
Now, I agreed to this months ago. Nonni runs the office of our church so she proposed the idea to me. It sounded fun. Sloane goes to our church for 4 mornings to be part of a singing and dancing type experience. It sounded fun. Sloane and I would have a trail run of being apart before she goes to preschool in September. It sounded fun. I would have 3 1/2 hours to myself for 4 days to myself....visions of the gym, effortless trips to the fabric store, and quiet hours on a lounge chair working on my tan lines danced in my head. It sounded fun....right up until tonight. The night before I have to drop by baby off into the care of people I do not know. Right now, bible camp doesn't sound fun at all. LOL
I have grilled nonni a variety of times on the schedule of each day, who are the teachers and volunteers running the program, where Sloane will be in terms of location and the most important detail for me.....who will help Sloane use the potty? This one is torturing me at night. I'm obsessed with it. Sloane is potty trained, but we have a whole procedure in a public bathroom. To help relax some, I've drilled into Sloane that when she needs to the potty, she needs to ask her teacher to bring her to nonni. And I've convinced my mil in all my craziness to check on Sloane more than necessary!! LOL
I am not worried about tomorrow but I am consumed with leaving Sloane. It is 3 1/2 hours...that it a long time for my daughter. I am consumed with if her behavior will be ok, if she will be able to last to 12:30 or if she will get tired because naptime is around the corner, and if she will want nonni more than staying with the Glory Days group.
Bible Camp sounded fun right up until the moment that leaving Sloane for 3 1/2 hours tomorrow started consuming me.
Now, I agreed to this months ago. Nonni runs the office of our church so she proposed the idea to me. It sounded fun. Sloane goes to our church for 4 mornings to be part of a singing and dancing type experience. It sounded fun. Sloane and I would have a trail run of being apart before she goes to preschool in September. It sounded fun. I would have 3 1/2 hours to myself for 4 days to myself....visions of the gym, effortless trips to the fabric store, and quiet hours on a lounge chair working on my tan lines danced in my head. It sounded fun....right up until tonight. The night before I have to drop by baby off into the care of people I do not know. Right now, bible camp doesn't sound fun at all. LOL
I have grilled nonni a variety of times on the schedule of each day, who are the teachers and volunteers running the program, where Sloane will be in terms of location and the most important detail for me.....who will help Sloane use the potty? This one is torturing me at night. I'm obsessed with it. Sloane is potty trained, but we have a whole procedure in a public bathroom. To help relax some, I've drilled into Sloane that when she needs to the potty, she needs to ask her teacher to bring her to nonni. And I've convinced my mil in all my craziness to check on Sloane more than necessary!! LOL
I am not worried about tomorrow but I am consumed with leaving Sloane. It is 3 1/2 hours...that it a long time for my daughter. I am consumed with if her behavior will be ok, if she will be able to last to 12:30 or if she will get tired because naptime is around the corner, and if she will want nonni more than staying with the Glory Days group.
Bible Camp sounded fun right up until the moment that leaving Sloane for 3 1/2 hours tomorrow started consuming me.
Friday, June 14, 2013
A Little Cup
So what the hell have we been doing for 2 weeks? I'm sad to say not much. It's been daily life here. Nothing too exciting which is the good news I guess!! Lol Sloane is getting bigger and sadder everyday. Ive been spending my nights finishing up the story of Sloane's journey and reasearching options for her 3rd birthday party next month....YIKES i can not believe that my child is 3!!! And let me just say.....I do not like 3. Two was much easier than 3 and 3 hasn't even started yet!!!!!!!!!
So of course, it'll be a music themed birthday party. Sloane is into music! We are having a Fresh Beats birthday party. Sloane loves the Beats and many days she thinks she is an actual Fresh Beat. Ive blogged before about the concerts held in our living room complete with an audience of stuffed animals and full costumes. It is nuts!!!
I did consider a Taylor Swift party seeing as though she is still riding shotgun in my car, but the idea seemed a bit too mature. Sloane already thinks she is a teenage drama queen, Im thinking I shouldn't encourage it. I am thrilled to say we have added 2 more songs to the constant Taylor Swift trio...Sloane is now learning the words to Stay, Stay, Stay and Holy Ground. I'm enjoying the variety to be completely honest. Lol
On Wednesday, I brought the registration papers to Sloane's soon to be preschool this week. As per usual, I was dragging my feet. It's there now with a fat non refundable deposit so there is no pulling out for this family. I'll need the next 84 days to prepare for Sloane flying the coop! Is it possible to have empty nest syndrome when your toddler leaves you for 3 hours 3 times a week???
Now, there has been a development in laryngeal cleft world. I've been organizing for a yard sale and came across a pack of plastic Dixie cups. Sloane was in awe of the tiny cups. Loved playing with them, stacking them, pouring water from one to the other. Then she realized she could actually drink from one!!! Oh my!! Sloane does not drink independently drink fom an open glass. With her age and her LC, it isn't ideal to give her a cup and let her go so it doesn't happen often at all. This little Dixie cup gave Sloane just the right amount of independence. She sat like an angel and drank 4 or 5 cups fulls of water over the next 20 minutes and has continued to do so for the last week. It goes something like this: "momma, I have some juice in that little cup." There hasn't been a cough or a choke with all sips. I am loving seeing Sloane drink independently and she is over the moon. Theses little Dixie cups have become a constant in our daily routine. I think they are a great stepping stone towards a big girl cup!!!
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