Milly goes to the Doctor!

On Monday I ventured out in the snow to drive my Milly-Kisses to Primary Children's Hospital. Ella (being VERY smart) didn't want to go, so she stayed with her Aunt Candace and played with Chaston (Chazzy-bear) all day. *Thanks Candace & Scotty!

We arrived a little early, but considering the wet baby pants (won't say anymore on that) the timing worked out well. Dr. Foster gave her a looksie. She checked out her hands, her tummy, her eyes, her ears, etc. I spoke with her about Mia's habits and what she eats and drinks, etc.

Dr. Foster was VERY understanding about Mia, as she sees kids like this all the time. Lance and I have (of course) been concerned about her due to her size. She (the Doctor) said that she has a group of kids in the same boat. These are just big kids. She virtually ruled out any thyroid issue because she's proportionately (relatively) tall -which is why our family Doctor hasn't been overly concerned.

We are supposed to have a lot of labs run, we didn't get them run there due to the type they need, so I'll have to have it done as soon as I can here. This is mainly to eliminate other possibilities, but, that's about it.
In the meantime, we'll be working with a dietician to tweak what she eats in order to slow some of her gain. I've been at a loss between skim milk and no juice, and lots of natural foods, but I'll take what help I can get in order to ensure this baby's health.

My sister Rachael pointed out to me, that this is payback for my dear dear mother having to put me on a no-additive/ no-preservative diet in order to diagnose my headaches when I was a kid. Heck, that involved making me home-made bread! YIKES! Inconvenient? Yes. Would she have done anything less in order to help her child? No.

So there's the skinny on our chunky-monkey. :)

Socialism

An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had never failed a single student before but had, once, failed an entire class. The majority of the class had insisted that socialism was a better system as no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said ok, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism.
All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too; so they studied little. The second Test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F.The scores never increased as bickering, blame, name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for anyone else.
All failed to their great surprise and the professor told them that socialism would ultimately fail because the harder to succeed the greater the reward but when a government takes all the reward away; no one will try or succeed.

*A way to live. I'm proud to be an American.

apology

I feel like I may be coming across as whiny lately, and it’s funny, because I can’t stand whininess! :)
For the record, I’m incredibly grateful for this pregnancy and the new little life that will be joining our family. Its strange how in subsequent pregnancies after Ella, I have been less attentive to the person growing inside me. There is too much going on and too much focus for those on the outside… Is that horrible to say? I think that’s why it’s easier to say heartless things –like referring to my new baby as a “fantastic 2nd calorie muncher: tape-worm-esque, if you will” or “Pregnancy. No bueno.” as I whine about some of the random effects –crazy being the biggest.
So, here’s an official apology to junior 3. I’ll try to be better! :)

Aah, High School Memories

Here is a little insight into Rebecca: the high school years...

1. Did you date someone from your school?

Yeah, there were a few. Ethan was the most “serious” boyfriend, but none of ‘em lasted.

2. Did you marry someone from your school?

Well, yes, actually. I didn’t know Lance at the time, but he graduated Logan High the year before I did!

3. Did you car pool to school?

With my sis and bro. Good times!

4. What kind of car did you have?

An Oldsmobile ’98 Regency -1985. It was a BOAT. Lots o’ room, but full-stops were a bit of a problem…

5. What kind of car do you have now?

’07 Entourage. Yes, folks, it’s a mini-van. Cool factor=0

6. It's Friday night...where are you? (then)

Kicking it with my good friends Carter, Natalie, Kim and Chris!

7. It is Friday night...where are you? (now)

Home. Alone. Watching kids. Hoping to go to bed EARLY, because sleeping in is a thing of the past. sniff

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?

I worked at McDonalds, baybee. I wanted my independence, so I took what I could! I worked the “hole” –the busy drive-through and completely rocked it. Yeah, I was making $4.25/ hr, but it meant freedom. I won’t get started on the boss there (who wouldn’t promote me to $5.00/ hr because I didn’t stand in his office and give him “back-rubs”).

9. What kind of job do you do now?

Mostly something I didn’t really sign up for. I fix problems for people: “resolution specialist”, ha ha ha. …Utility billing company.

10. Were you a party animal?

During High School? No.

11. Were you considered a flirt?

Probably.

12. Were you in band, orchestra, choir?

GO BAND, BAYBEE!!! Pep band as a frosh –now there’s FUN TIMES for ya! I saw every LHS Football game!

13. Were you a nerd?

Oh heck no (denial). I was friends with all types –the cheerleaders, the preps, the nerds, the band geeks, the “rockers”, the debate snobs, etc. I had nerddish in me (partial acceptance), but don’t think I was considered one (denial), as I fit in many different groups.

14. Did you get suspended or expelled?

No way. Only graduated with a 3.8 instead of a 3.9 because I slept in Business 140 (younger people would know that class as 1040. I’m OLD). I actually liked school and never missed it. …WAIT, maybe I really was a nerd (acceptance)!

15. Can you sing the fight song?

I can play it on my french horn! I can sing the school theme song, too! "Neath the crest of Wasatch Mountains . . ."

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)?

Mr. Hoyt ROCKS MY WORLD! I took Biology, Physiology, AP Biology, and Physiology 130 from this man. I couldn’t get enough of him because he was fascinating teacher, and knew absolutely everything. Mr. Hoyt, THANK YOU for the “digestion labs” especially!

17. Where did you sit during lunch?

With my friends, usually in the cafeteria.

18. What was your school's full name?

Logan Senior High School

19. When did you graduate?

1996

20. What was your school mascot?

GRIZZLIES

21. If you could go back and do it again, would you?

Not so much. Although I don’t hold any super bad memories about the experience, who wants to go back? I don’t understand those kinds of people! I’m GRATEFUL for the years I have under my belt, mistakes and all

22. Did you have fun at prom?

I didn’t really stick around for prom for too long. Ethan and I did show, and that’s all I have to say about that.

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to prom with?

Ethan and I kept in touch for a while after I graduated, but last I heard he is married with kids…

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?

Please see #21.

25. Do you still talk to people from school?

Yes, I have some dear friends from school –Highschool, Middle, and even Elementary (Go Panguitch!) who I keep in close contact with. I love my friends.

Pregnancy Head Case

Ok, so when you’re pregnant, there is NO filter, and every wretched emotion is amplified and raw and instant. So, here’s a PRIME example why any of my male readers should be grateful they’re not married to me, and any of my female readers should either relate, or be SUPER SCARED of pregnancy.
Disclaimer: I KNOW it’s not just me, girls. If you have experienced pregnancy with none of this emotional bulls&^%, then congratulmafrekin’lations –we might not be friends anymore.

…See my point? :)

The following example is a set of emails between myself and a co-worker who calls herself an “Office Manager”. Her name has been withheld. We’ll call her “Nelly”.

Email 1: Titled $0.40 lost :(

Hi Nelly-
While trying to snaggle a dingdong this morning, the crummy machine got stuck. Do you do reimbursements?

Email 2: Titled: ...and...

Oh, and the expiration on the one that did fall through (I tried a 2nd one) is FEB 21!!! We have bad food in there!

*Okaaaaaaaay, maybe they sounded a bit edgy. Hey, I had a full dingdong sitting in my trash (tasted DISGUSTING: they have a lot of give on the expiration date, and this was PAST) reminding me of my $0.40 loss. I didn’t, however, expect the vehement reaction:

Email 3: From Nelly

Rebecca,

Well, I had a ding dong yesterday and I’m not dead yet (lol) and that crummy machine cost around $3000. Would you like your money back for both or just one (assuming you ate one)?
Please let me know and I would be glad to accommodate you.


Now let's just stop here for a moment while I collect myself enough to tell the story. Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo I seriously had FLAMES on the side of my FACE!!! I was HOT. I was SEEING RED.

I wrote:

Wow, didn’t expect you to take that so personally! Didn’t eat either dingdong, but since I’m sensing some inconvenience on your end, perhaps you should keep the change to help pay for such an expensive machine. :)


NO, the last email wasn’t sent; rather, I sent my response to my boss. I had my boss talk me off the ledge. This poor “Office Manager” would really hate me right now, and I would have created a “hostile working environment”, which is probably best avoided.

Pregnancy. NO bueno. …Please don’t piss me off.

Erin!

Since it was just St. Paddy’s day, and Erin is an Irish name, I figure I’ll take a second and write about her! Erin is my bestest girlfriend. She is tall and beautiful –but has a quirky edge. Those who know her outside of work can only see her vulnerable heart of gold. Those who know her at work can see the heartless b&^$# that she can become from time to time. It’s one of my favorite things about her! :) I met her at work a few years ago, and she was mean to me a few times. I decided that this girl was going to be my friend whether she liked it or not. (I have that ridiculous challenge-mentality of making the unfriends my friends) After I quit that job, Erin and I remained close, but became much closer over the last year or so.

Here are a few things I have learned from the Erin-meister:
1- When she forgets she already got you a Christmas present, it works in your favor.
2- Listening is as important as being listened to.
3- Two red flags on a blind date mean NO-TOUCHY
4- Time can be made for those you sincerely care about.
5- Strength runs deep and can’t always be seen on the outside.

What I know about this woman and her story goes beyond a casual friendship. I think it’s why she’s so important to me. She has been inspirational to me by her strength and where she stands today with dignity and intelligence. Erin, you’re the best. I love you.

thought

There is more to my love for my children than they will ever understand. Have you ever seen “Because I Said So” with Diane Keaton? I was thinking about her birthday “speech” she gives her daughters… She hits such a resounding and true point: “Let me tell you something about motherhood, okay? I mean, it’s the most impossible love.” There is no way these children will ever know how deeply every aspect of their lives is a part of me. Standing by and watching them grow up is terrifying –you only want to protect them and keep them in the vulnerable and dependent stage where they’re not having to take responsibility on themselves, where I –as the mom- can make sure that everything will always be okay.

How terrible for my mom to watch me make mistakes.

The Big 3-2! Happy Birthday Baby!

Lance turned 32 on Saturday. We had a fantastic weekend. Here's Lance with the girls opening his gift. You can see the adorable card Ella wrote for him!

We spent the morning playing the game that I tend to kick some serious TRASH at... Super Mario World 3!! Oh, don't get me started... I'm really really good at this game.
My children are mezmorized when I play.

Oh! We got her attention.

PS- NO commentst from the Peanut Gallery about Mia's little haircut. Lance did it on a whim (with good intentions), and my little Milly-Kisses looks like a mushroom now. We'll fix it.

I thought this was a funny picture that I took while Lance concentrated and tried to keep up with me on this game (no luck). It reminds me of pictures of my mom and dad, where dad doesn't pay attention to the camera, but mom always looks posed!
Here's our La-La-Boo. I can't get enough of her smile! :)

...So I jumped in a shot with her!

Here she is again -the little cheese-ball!...And here with the Birthday Boy!

Ok, this is a funny story, because I just wanted ONE decent shot. Look at who is psyching himself out and BLINKING on every picture!!

Ha Ha Ha -it was getting funny.

I'm usually batteling Ella to keep her eyes open, and I'm not posting all the pictures I took either. We must have gone through 10 or so pictures -all with Lance blinking!

We headed to Lance's parent's house for dinner that night. We had "John's Chicken" -John being Lance's older brother. It is AMAZING. It's Italian/ Teriyaki/ Jalipeno/ Maple-Bacon goodness, all barbecued to perfection. Mmmmmmm.

From his parents, Lance received a gorgeous Invicta dress watch.

You can't see it, but behind those cheeks lies Mia's FIRST malted Easter egg! ...Blue!

Candace and Scott hung out with us that evening. ...A HUGE thanks to Debbie and Donny who kept our Ella for the night! Here she is, making herself quite comfy.

And here's our Mia, after such an exhausting birthday. Precious.

Finally, a quick note to my husband;

Lance, through it all, on your birthday especially, I hope you know how dearly you are loved and cherished. I'm SO grateful to your parents -on this day especially, that they brought you into this world, and raised you to become such an incredible person. You are strong, you're smart, you're talented (even though I'm SO much better at Super Mario World 3), and you're in love with your family, who is just as crazy about you. I am honored to be your wife. Happy Birthday, my love.

Dr. Sales -fix THIS fire!

So I just had quite the MISERABLE experience with a CRAP Chiropractor here in Logan. I went by a referral who told me that she went to see him about 6 times in December?! That should have been my huge Red Flag #1, but the terrible pain I’ve been experiencing in my neck was enough to motivate me to make the appointment anyway.
I arrived to sign a TON of paperwork, one of which included the “missed appointment” policy, which MAY be common, but I don’t see it much –and it looks like an excuse to bill my insurance regardless. Red Flag #2.
I went in to the patient room (hadn’t been updated since the 70’s –Red Flag #3 (not a successful practice?), and waited for the Doctor. He came in and proceeded to ask me a million questions, which was fine, but time-consuming.
He went into a few different speeches, first making me feel like a terrible mother for taking TYLENOL (heaven forbid) because my liver will only take SO MUCH. The next speech was selling his business of Chiropractics and how important he was and how the body is electrical, and the spinal cord is the most precious thing to take care of, blah blah blah. “When the fire alarm is ringing, do you throw water (making the actual motion with his hands) on the ALARM, or on the FIRE???? Let’s fix the FIRE.”
Sales. Red Flag #3
He insisted on taking x-rays (even though I’d told him that I have had my neck out 2x in my life, and one adjustment fixed everything) which was Red Flag #4, because I’m PREGNANT.
Next, he performed some kind of muscle test, and sent in his massage therapist –before which I hinted that I didn’t have all day to be doing this. The therapist took maybe 4 minutes with my neck, then left.
When the Doctor came back in, he was talking about how he’ll be adjusting me next time, after he looks at my x-rays, Red Flag # 5 (WHAT? He didn’t look at them while this stupid massage therapist was “working” on me?) and how he wants me to ice my neck repeatedly, etc. I was amazed, yet, not surprised that he wasn’t going to do a damn thing to my neck and only worry about booking his next flipping appointment.
As I left, the receptionist did her best to schedule me for two days later, but I made up the “child care” excuse and told her I’d call her. I could tell she’d been coached to NOT let folks go without booking that appointment and she tried to schedule it anyway and have me call her later if it WOULDN’T work; Red Flag #6. I said “no thanks” and left with my $20.00 ice-pack. When I got in the van I cried.
To top it off with Red Flag #7, he CALLED ME at 9:00 last night and asked how I was?! What the *^&*??? I told him “no, I’m not feeling better” and when he asked what time my appointment was and I told him I didn’t have one, I got a shocked “Well, you better call first thing in the morning to make sure we can fit you in”. Seriously? How terrible is your business that you’re calling your patients at 9:00 at night to make sure you have something to do tomorrow? What a fine end to such a miserable experience. AARGH.

:(

Accessories

I found myself chasing Mia yesterday while she sported my lovely fluffy scarf (thanks Mach). This little goober is daring to give me hope that we might have ourselves a girly-girl after all!!