Diagnosis and Growing up

Well, the doc says that he believes that T has Recurrent Juvenile Parotitis. Her Parotid gland swells up from time to time. No one really knows why, and its fairly rare. More prevalent in boys than girls per the internet. Usually goes away at puberty, but sometimes not. Can be quite painful. The doc doesn't think its a serious case, but ordered up the MRI to rule out the serious case scenario since she's had it 4 times already. Apparently the "serious case" scenario can sometimes require surgery. I refuse to go there in my mind.

So, we are off for an MRI tomorrow morning. Have to be there at the god-awful hour of 7:30 a.m. in West Doral. Oy. They will sedate her for the test (probably put her to sleep), and then depending on how she comes out of it, may or may not go to camp tomorrow. I'm prepared to work at home if need be.

Speaking of camp, for the very first time since I met her, T experienced something new for the first time without either me or dot. The camp loaded all the kids up on schoolbuses and took them all to the movies. Toy Story 3. She LOVED it. What a big girl she is, riding school buses and everything. She was so proud of herself.

That's it for now, check in tomorrow and I'll be reporting on how the test went. Probably won't have results from the test for a few days.

Ciao.

We're Off to the Dr.

Yep, today is our appt to try and get to the bottom of the rock under her ear. Wish us luck.

We had fun this weekend. On Sat, T and I went off to the diner for breakfast and then the mall while Dot was getting her nails done. I then set up the "Bonsai Cannonball Splash". Its a water slide I picked up at target. Had I read the comments, I probably would not have purchased it, ...but i didn't...so I did.

The thing is a bit precarious, and I'll only let T do it if I'm sitting right next to the thing to keep it from tipping over. If any kid was heavier than T, who registers in at a whopping 35 pounds, I doubt it would work. Also, unlike the picture on the box, you can't go running and jump on the thing at speed, else risk bouncing head over heals and probably breaking your neck.

But, it entertained her for the day, and we'll probably get a few more uses out of the thing before it gets too gross from being outside and the hot sun works its "magic" and ruins the thing.

On Sunday, we went up to the Sawgrass Mall to find something fun. I found a vodka laced lemonade at Cheesec@ke Factory and then had to roam the malls waiting for the buzz to wear off. Fun times. T enjoyed bungi jumping and riding the merry go round. The two of us came home, and napped for 2 hours. As fun as that drink was, it just zaps the energy right out of me. Guess that's a sign of getting old. Can't do it like I used to. Sigh.

Speaking of old, no news on the parent front. No news is always good news from those two. We'll see what this week brings.

They're Ba-ack...

Yep, poor T woke up this morning, complaining of rocks under her ear. Just one side. The "faux mump" is back.

You can tell from this pic just how bad she's feeling, right?

Last time this flared up, which was about 8 - 10 months ago, the doc said if it flaired again, I should take her to be evaluated by a pediatric ENT. Tried to get an appt this morning with no success. Apparently, they are the prima donnas of pediatric care. No appt available for a few weeks. Grrrr.

Luckily, the infectious disease doc, who wants me to go for the ENT eval, will see us on monday. Highly likely he'll recommend an MRI for poor T. I suspect she'll need to be sedated for that. We'll see.

So, T came to work with me today, as I felt uncomfortable sending her to camp. It was a water play day. You can see how helpful she, barbie and ken were.

Big Girl Backpack

T is very excited over the fact that I bought her a big girl backpack from T@rget. I purchased it b/c on some days, she has to bring bathing suit, towel, water shoes, and lunchbox all at the same time. T, however, insists on taking it to camp every day...even if all she has in it is her lunchbox.

She's also discovered the fact that its excellent for transporting toys to camp.

Meanwhile, her "winter wardrobe" arrived and I love the clothes. Ordered up a few more pieces, once I saw how the sizes ran. That's the problem when one's winter wardrobe consists of the same items one where in other seasons...like frickin hot as hell summer. Impossible for me to save them, when she's so stinkin cute in them...um....and I mean that both figuratively and literally...after a hot sweaty day at camp!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Well, we started the day with high hopes of taking my dad out and spending the day with him. Went over to his house, and he refused to go. Said he wasn't hungry. Didn't even want to go for a drive. Sigh.

So, we stayed at his house for a couple hours, then left. Luckily, there was no drama at the nursing home. We'll see what the coming week brings. Apparently there was some drama there last week, but the home handled it and neither my sissy nor I were called.

T is very busy lately palying with her barbie dolls, with her princess castle.

Back to work and camp for us. Hope you all had a great weekend.

T's "Winter" Wardrobe

Anybody who knows me and has viewed the gajillion photos of T on this site, may recognize that we're basically an exclusive Gymb0ree family. Not on purpose, mind you, but by default. When t first came home, I would spend too much time, money, and energy purchasing other brand clothing that never would quite fit her right. With gymbo, the sizes are always very consistent, and now usually come with adjustable waists. They always fit. I can always rely on the quality, and they are just too darned cute. Having 2 outlet stores within driving distance is an added bonus.



Anyway, I say all this b/c I've recently made a big purchase of shorts and shirts and stuff from a different online store. This is HUGE for me. I figure that this will be T's "winter wardrobe". Lots of vibrant dark colors that will look cute this winter. I know you guys up north may think I'm nuts calling dark colored shorts and tank tops "winter clothes", but when you live in the tropics, that's what you do. No cashmere for us!

Anyway, I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery. The only reason I took a chance, is the fact that they have an actual store about an hour north of me, so I can return the lot or exchange it if i'm not happy.

Big thanks to another bloggy mom (Tolman Twins) for the tip: http://www.naartjie.com/ if you want to snoop. Alot of the sale stuff, though, is now sold out.

BLOGGY BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!

Please join our cyber birthday party, and wish my sweet Aunt Connie a very big fat bloggy 87th Birthday!



Hope the next 87 years are as good as the first....or better!

Experienced Campers

Yep, that's what we are! T is attending a summer camp at her school. While its located on her school grounds, its run by an independent agency and is open to all kids, not just students of the school. For those who want more info, check out this link:

http://sunshine-summercamp.com/Campers_Ages_3-6.html

I felt that it was a good idea to send T here, as she doesn't do that well with change. The fact that its on the grounds of her school, I thought, would help. Anyway, she was very excited about the whole thing, but as we walked up and entered a different classroom, she started becoming a bit more tentative. Luckily, one of her classmates was there and T went and sat next to her. That helped alot.

No reports of fisticuffs breaking out today, so that was a relief. Her comment upon seeing me today? "They didn't even have karate or pony rides." Hehe. I've told her over and over that there are no pony rides every day, just one special day. So far, she doesn't seem that cranky, but we'll see about that as the week goes on. There will be some water play, so I need to go out and buy her some school-appropriate bathing suits. I like the shirt/short combos for situations like this. Hopefully I can get to target in the next day or so.

Meanwhile in other news, I went to a funeral today. I didn't know the deceased, but work with her father. She was a few years younger than I, with 2 minor children. Car accident. She went into a canal and died. Terrible tragedy. From all accounts she was a lovely, vibrant woman with a zest for life.

The message from her grandma: You never know when its your time to go, so live life to the fullest, and don't forget to tell your loved ones that you love them.

True words to live by.

I'm off to kiss my kid.

Poolside Fun

Well, we were successful in escaping all our problems and woes, and went and hung out at my oldest friends house. We had quite the fun time watching the kids in the pool as we sipped on frozen margaritas and then chowed down on yummy BBQ. We're now back home, and T starts summer camp tomorrow.

This will be quite the big transition for us, b/c ...THE DON'T NAP AT SUMMERCAMP! If anyone knows my active child, she NEEDS her nap every day. However, since they don't nap in kindergarten, they don't nap at camp. I suspect T will be going to bed quite earlier. I'm just saying a prayer that my tired little ball of mischief doesn't start a fist fight with the other campers.

I'll be on edge all day...

The Good and the Bad

Well, the good news is that T's crazy cough seems to be gone. Don't know if it was my threats of squirting medicine up her nose, or her breathing medicine, or a combination of both, but we appear to have turned a corner.

Meanwhile, my father continues to be a PITA. I know its not his fault and he's sick, but its so frickin frustrating. Got a call friday that he was trying to take her home...for good. They put him on the phone, and I was able to talk some sense into him. Hung up, and he started right back up with the staff at the nursing home. He wouldn't let anyone push my mom's wheelchair or get near her, and became aggressive when they would try. Cops were called.

Luckily, took the cops a really long time to get there. In the meantime, I was able to get there, get my mom back to her room, and get my dad out of there. The home is really very nice and say they deal with this all the time. When the cop showed, they sent him away. Turns out, my dad got there, and started saying to my mom how he missed her at home, and she better hurry up and come home. That then got my mom saying she wants to go home. Which then my dad used to justify his taking her home. A vicious circle.

Luckily on Sat, there was no drama. I figure this is just going to keep happening, until eventually he gets involuntarily hospitalized for 3 - 5 days (baker acted in fla) as a danger to himself or others (my mom). Unfortunately, I don't think he's that far gone, that we could declare him incompetant. He's literally just living in the moment, and doesn't consider the consequences of his actions, especially when it comes to my mom and her care. Very sad.

Anyway, yesterday we were able to go to my friends house for a dinner party, and will be going to visit my old friend Sally dimler and her family today in the afternoon. T will have a ball swimming in their pool. Hopefully, we'll receive no calls from the home. Say a prayer.

Nervous Cough

What new ailment is plague-ing us this time? A chronic cough. Nothing is wrong with T but this cough that sounds like she's clearing her throat. Not deep. Not wet. Just frickin' CONSTANT. oy.

We've been to the doc a number of times, and been given all types of meds, that don't appear to be working. Therefore, doc says she's either developed some form of asthma that makes one cough, or its a "nervous cough"...what I call a crazy cough.

Right now, we're on nose spray and singulair, to see if that will knock it out of her. So far, the onlys success we've had...if you can all it success...is that T hates the nose spray. I tell her if I hear her cough, she'll get squirted. Now, she's swallowing her coughs...and burping. Don't know if this is good or bad. We'll see how it all develops or doesn't with time. If it doesn't stop soon, we'll be off to an allergist.

In other news, the lunacy that is my dad continues after a short hiatus. Call came in at lunchtime that he was at the hospital, trying to take my mom out for a ride. Luckily, Dot talked him down on the phone and all was more calm when I arrived. Got him out of there and home, and gave him his meds. We were so hoping that this had ended, with perhaps some acceptance of my mom's plight. Guess not. Meanwhile, my mom remains the same and is still being treated for her aspiration pneumonia. Seemed in good spirits, though.

Grand Entrance with Pomp and Circumstance!

Here is T's grand entrance at the graduation. Don't forget to scroll to the end and turn off the blog music before playing, so that you get the full affect of the video!

Rock and Roll Taylor

Don't forget to scroll down to the very end, and mute the blog music before playing this video, to get the full affect! Meanwhile, I have to work on my camera skills. I was so busy watching her that most of the time I just filmed her feet. Quite prophetic, as it turns out!

GRADUATION DAY - PART II

T and Jasmine then commenced to play along to a rock and roll song. I have it on video, and will post if I ever can upload the thing. Unfortunately for T, she suffered a wardrobe malfunction. Toward the end of the song, one of her shoes came off. She was crushed. She had planned to slide across the stage on her knees as a grand finale, and could not do it b/c she lost her shoe and the music stopped. She pouted for the rest of the show. Luckily, hers was the last song before they handed out the diplomas.

Later, they called her name and she received her diploma from the principal, Dr. Morales and the priest, Father Lopez. What was nice was that they would pose so that each family could get pictures. They're clearly old hands at this graduation stuff.
After a quick picture with Taylor's beloved teacher Mrs. Maranges, the ceremony was over. Boy, will we miss her. She was just the best teacher a kid could have.
Finally, all that was left to do was pose for the obligatory picture with mom, and T's first official year of school is at an end.

She can't wait to go to summer camp!

GRADUATION DAY! - Part I

What a day this has been! We entered the auditorium to find it decorated wtih a nautical theme. The music teacher, Mrs. Gonzalez, entertained the crowd on the piano with various spanish songs that the crowd sang along to...
Everyone lost all interest in singing along, when we realized the kids were lined up in the back, waiting to make their entrance. After a few parents finished shoving and elbowing each other in an attempt to get the perfect picture, the kids started marching down the aisle while Mrs. Gonzalez played Pomp and Circumstance on the piano.
All the kids lined up onstage, and then the program began. Many songs were sung, and with each song, two students from each class came to the front to lead or "star in" in the song. T was the last group.
All the kids sung all the songs, complete with hand gestures and everything. Then...for the final song of the program...Taylor and Jasmine came to the front of the stage, and picked up electric guitars. T somehow scored the barbie one...

Student of the Month!

Introducing, Student of the Month for the PreK-1 class. T shared this honor with another little boy, Daniel (also a trouble-maker). I couldn't help but notice that there are 16 kids in her class, and approximately 8 months in the school year. So, T and Daniel were the last to receive this honor. Who cares?

I asked Mrs. M yesterday why T got it, and her response was that T was the "most improved". Yikes. Isn't that like Miss Congeneality....a reward, but not one?


Anyway, Dot and I were present for the festivities, which was the last school assembly of the year. Dot and I couldn't help but look at each other and laugh. It was like we were in a time warp, and sucked back to 1969. After morning prayers and the flag salute, the music teacher lead the school in a rousing rendition of God Bless America...to the accompaniment of....an Accordian. What a riot, but that's what I love about this school. It and its students are just really, really nice.

Now, we're off to dinner. T gets to pick, since she's the award recipient. I have the feeling we'll end up at Nordstroms...for the 2nd time this week.

Pre-K Breakfast

Today was alot of fun. We had breakfast in the cafeteria with the class, and watched a slide show of pictures from the school year. So cute I couldn't stand it. What's more, they gave us all a copy of a DVD. Definitely a keeper.

Unfortunately, none of the pics I took with my iphone turned out that well, so there is no pic from today for the blog.

I did have an opportunity to speak with Mrs. M., and related to her how floored I was to receive the information that T was the student of the month. Especially given her issues throughout the year. Her response?

"Yes, but she's really improved this last month".

So, there you have it. T is winning the award b/c she was the "most improved".

Back-handed compliment if ever I heard one!

Breaking Blog News

I know this blog has to some extent turned into a big fat downer, what with all of our family problems. But, in an effort to perk things up I bring you breaking blog news.

Inexplicitly, my boy-punching, face-slashing, headband-breaking little ball of mischief has somehow become.....brace yourselves...

the frickin' STUDENT OF THE MONTH!

I was floored.

Don't know if its of her class, of the grade, or of the school. We'll find out on Friday at the school assembly in the morning.

Meanwhile, stand by for more happy news. Tomorrow is the preK breakfast. The kids get to wear a special tshirt with jeans, and there will be a slide show presentation of the preK1 school year as we all eat breakfast. Then on tuesday of next week, is the graduation and end of year show. Kids are required to wear their "Sunday Best". I'm already planning to dress T in the dress she wore to Sophie's communion.

That's the happy news from here!

Sick House

So, people are dropping down sick left and right.

My mom has aspiration pneumonia. She's developed problems swallowing. Therefore, she can inhale minute bits of food and drink into her lungs. That foreign matter which has no business in the lungs can cause an infection in the lungs...hence the diagnosis. Xray confirmed it and she's on mega-antibiotics. Luckily, we believe its a mild case...this time. She's at huge risk of it occurring again in the future.

T has been coughing off and on since mid April. Its gotten particularly bad despite being on children's zyrtec the past few days. I couldn't stand it anymore, so off we went to the dr this evening. T now has an inhaler to hopefully knock it out of her system, and I need to take her for a chest xray, too. To rule out walking pneumonia. Sigh.

Dot reports that she's sick today with the common cold.

My dad is generally sick with diabetes and memory issues.

I, on the other hand, am feeling fine...for now. I know I just jinxed myself. Oh well.