My new friend, Minnie.

It wasn't the deli line but it sure felt like it! Country Mouse, Husband, and Minnie are in high demand. People were in and out of their hospital room visiting and catching a glimpse of the newest addition. We did manage to see the family and I did get to hold the little mouse. She got a little cranky when I took her from Titi but she settled back down as soon as I gave her back.

Titi has that affect on kids. All kids.

Beaner and PQ snuggled up with Country Mouse.

Today we met a new friend. She's adorable. She's one of a kind. Her mother is such a blessing to me. She's beautiful and she is such a joy to be around. Thanks again for letting us visit with you and your family. I'm sorry I didn't get any close ups of Minnie. I got too distracted by the number of people coming to the Mouse Deli. Maybe next time I'll ask for a pound of cheese while I'm there...

Minnie has arrived!!!

I'm happy to announce that at 2:05ish this afternoon, little Minnie arrived into this world. She weighed 8 lbs 9 oz. Country Mouse is officially a ROCK STAR in my book because she only had nubaine for pain earlier this morning. Nothing else to help with pain...she is a ROCK STAR!!!! I just talked to her on the phone (we were both sniffling and wiping tears). She sounds great. I'm thrilled for this family and I can't wait to lay my eyes on this little one tomorrow morning! Stay tuned for pictures of the family!

A Year Later...

*A year later, we get some very exciting news.

*A year later, we find out that I'm pregnant.

*A year later, I have the worst morning sickness.

*A year later, we start planning for the new arrival.

*A year later, we go for an ultrasound at 7 weeks.

* A year later, that appointment was today.

* A year later, we have the same sonogram technician that gave us bad news last year.

*A year later, I feel nervous about the appointment.

* A year later, that same technician has to tell me the same bad news.

* A year later, we lose another baby.

* A year later, I cry on my husbands shoulder in the doctors office again.

* A year later, a doctor explains what we can expect in the next few weeks.

* A year later, I rush out of the doctors office so nobody sees my tears again.

* A year later, I fall apart in the car again.

* A year later, we call my mother to give her the same news.

* A year later, we sit in the parking lot and talk.

* A year later, I am overjoyed with the blessing that we received 6 years ago.

* A year later, I'm still trusting God.

* A year later, I'm humbled again by the turn of events.

* A year later, I'm reminded that I am never alone. Never.

* A year later, I'm still thankful for my family and friends.

* A year later, I'm falling deeper in love with my husband.

* A year later, this is All I Can Say (click the link)

PQ's Oozing Ears

WARNING...the following post is not for the squeamish!

On Friday afternoon, PQ and I took a nap together after school. It was some much needed rest for the both of us. Upon waking up from the nap, PQ told me that he had an ear ache. I proceeded to give him some Tylenol before we headed out to the big city to watch the local hockey team play a game. While we were at the game, PQ continuously talked about his painful ears so we ended up leaving the game early. Prior to bed on Friday night, I noticed a milky liquid draining out of PQ's right ear. We decided that we could call the doctor on call in the morning.

On Saturday morning, PQ woke up still having an earache. The only difference on Saturday was that the side of his face was yellow and crusty. After looking at his ear more closely, it became obvious that that milky substance from the night before was puss. We called the doctor on call and she immediately prescribed PQ an antibiotic. She asked us to please call their office on Monday so that PQ could be looked at more thoroughly. For the remainder of the weekend, we soothed his earaches with warm compresses as needed.

This morning when PQ woke up, he still had wet puss coming out of his ear. It almost reminded me of dried egg yolk so of course PQ wanted to see what it looked like. I ended up taking a close-up picture for him to see his ear. Little did he know that it would be this nasty...

I brought PQ to the doctors this afternoon and his doctor noticed a rash that had began to appear behind his ears. She quickly pointed out that the rash occurs when the antibiotics aren't strong enough to treat the infection. She wrote him a more advanced prescription and tonight will be his first treatment on the new meds.

Sometimes I question myself and when I should call the doctor. I tend to err on the side of caution and call sooner than later. This entire weekend was a nice reminder that a mother's hunch is always best!

One Year Later...A Superstar Event!

It's funny how certain things can trigger memories, isn't it? We recently spent the evening with L&L, D-Dawg, & Beaner at the local 'superstar' event. Much like last year, we were all extremely excited about the fun filled evening. What wasn't as obvious were the lingering feelings from last years turn of events. It's been almost a year to the date that we lost our child just 9 weeks into my pregnancy. Almost a year ago to the date, we spent a similar evening at the 'superstar' event with L&L and the kids. It was at that same event last year that we told D-Dawg & Beaner our exciting news. Even though it was a year ago and even though we've accepted what has happened, it still doesn't take away our memories. We did, however, decide that we were not going to let those memories ruin our evening with our family. Afterall, they're just memories, right?

Just for old times sake...

(Beaner LOVED to squeeze PQ's head when he was a baby. She couldn't get enough of him!!!)

Beaner was a little bit more timid this year.

(There was no half-time dance show courtesy of Beaner this year.)

I love how L&L play it 'cool' when the action is right at their footsteps.

How can you not laugh at this???

Chicken Man was 'pregnant' and leaning on Uncle L.

Apparently Uncle L is part of the birthing plan.

*WINK*

What's a 'superstar' night without some autographs??!!??

I love to see how we've all come along on this journey of life. The kids are getting older and more mature. They're realizing their boundaries and they are exploring their desires. It's nice to take it all in from their point of view. Life doesn't always have to be difficult. It's what we make of it. The 'superstar' events are a blast. Each year brings new memories to share. I can't wait to see what's new at next years event. Stay tuned...

Sarah's Newest Addition

This morning I had a delightful visit with my friend Sarah and two of her boys. Just a few weeks ago, she gave birth to a beautiful little boy. Today was my opportunity to visit with her and to meet the newest bundle of joy.

I would like to introduce the newest member of their family.

Their next oldest boy kept me on my toes...

...while my friend amazed me with her day to day routine.

One can only hope that they would look this good after giving birth just 2+ weeks ago. You look amazing, Sarah. I had a great time hanging out with you and the boys today. You definitely have your hands full but you have this amazing sense of peace. It was nice to hear how you manage to juggle it all each day. I really admire who you've become.

Come Out, Come Out...Wherever you are!

This evening we had a little impromtu Movie Night. Tonight we had a special guest too. Who was it, you ask? Hhhhmm....hint #1: We didn't watch an independent film. Okay, okay...you probably don't need any other hints. You're right. Miss Independent joined us for a fun filled evening that included eating a kid friendly dinner and then we watched the movie UP. I did what I typically do...I fell asleep half way through the movie so I can't really give you an honest review. What I did see, however, was absolutely delightful. *WINK*

While I was cooking dinner this evening, the kids decided to keep themselves busy. I quickly realized that they were being a lot quieter than usual so I set out to 'find' them. The last time Miss Independent was over, I found the two of them holed up in the closet with a flashlight. I could only imagine where they would be this time...

(Hint: They're in the big cardboard box!)

Is that a flashlight that I see?

Indeed it was!

Miss Independent 'hides' behind the flashlight while PQ 'sneaks' out the back.

(Is this foreshadowing 13 years from now??)

There! Finally! I do have a question though...

Why are these two always finding the most random places to hang out?

Fall Leaves

Does anyone remember this picture from the fall of 2008?

Not much has changed.

Here we are in 2009 still acting silly in the leaves.

In Good Hands...

This picture was taken a few weeks ago but I had to post it. I recently saw this picture on the school bulletin board and then found it online as well. This is a picture of PQ and his 1st grade teacher at the school Halloween event 2 weeks ago. PQ spent his time hanging out with his teacher helping her pass out candy to all of the kids. PQ adores this woman. He looks forward to going to school just so he can see her. We've been VERY fortunate thus far in PQ's school career. We've really had some great teachers so far. It's reassuring to know that he's in good hands each day, that's for sure!

Chicken Stock...to use or not to use?

Just out of curiosity, how many of you save and reuse the stock that you obtain after cooking a chicken or turkey? As you can see below, I just made a tasty soup for our dinner this evening using the leftover turkey stock and meat from this past weekend. I'm just curious to see how many people use their stock for another meal.

All I Want For Christmas...

As the Christmas season approaches, it's only appropriate to start making a Christmas List. As of right now, I only have 3 things on my list. I have my own reasoning for each item so I thought I would start tonight's post off with a glimpse into my 2009 top Christmas picks. Who knows if I'll get any of them but it is nice to ponder...

We're probably the only family in America that doesn't have a set of these already. Although we wouldn't use them on a daily or even weekly basis, tv trays are nice to have for those impromtu movie nights where burgers and fries are served. As much as we love to have Mooch around, it's not very fun trying to hold your hamburger with one hand while redirecting him away with the other. So yes, TV TRAYS are on my list this year.

Hiking is the one outdoor activity that we really miss in the winter. I would love to get snowshoes for the entire family (minus Mooch, of course). LL Bean has some great snowshoes for sale...and did I mention the fun colors??!??


Last but certainly not least...I really want an under the cabinet CD player (with AM/FM radio as well). I love to be in the kitchen. I love to cook and sometimes I really wish that I had some music to keep me company while I'm preparing a meal. I've wanted one of these for a while now but I've never really put it on a wish list. So here goes...

I'm sure I'll have some other items as the weeks go by. For now, this is it...just 3 items.

So tell me....What's on your 2009 Christmas List?

BBQ Everything, According to Papa H.

Uuuum, Papa H??!??

Exactly how much BBQ sauce does one family of three need?!?!?

*Apparently someone that Papa H came in contact with gave him some sauce to try. He really liked it so he thought he would order some for our family. Apparently 2 gallons of BBQ sauce is just enough for a family of 3. Oh Papa H, I love you...but I refuse to eat everything with BBQ sauce just because we have so much.

Does anyone need any for their family? I think we have enough to feed five families of eight for the next year. *WINK*

Countdown Please...

Only 53 more days to go!

Come on...you know you're keeping track too!

I HEART CHRISTMAS!!!!