Elaina at church

Ben and Elias at the doctor

We are still working on figuring out Ben's needs. He met Eli's pediatrician today. I like the family doctor he goes to but Ben may just need a bit more attention. We got the Connors scale to complete. As for Eli he has a bit of thrush but that is expected after starting daycare this past week. And the fact that he takes more bottles than nursing it was bound to happen especially because he takes a paci. He weighs 9 pounds 4 ounces and is 21 inches long. That puts him at the 2nd and 4th percentile. Ben weighed 44 pounds and was 46 inches tall. No worries.... No reason for everyone to be big and tall.

Congratulations Elaina

Preschool graduation ceremony.... Elaina is growing up. She is a very opinionated girl. I can't wait to see the path she chooses in life. Pictures of the ceremony and on the way there.

One of my babies with her baby!

Future...

I interviewed for a transfer within a company that I just started working for again. I met with the director today. Health Insurance, 401-K, discounted childcare for my 3 youngest children. I really can't ask for more. I like where Etta and Elaina go now but it is just not convenient. I can't wait to hear back with more details. A 401-K!!!!

Interview outfit

Work uniform

6 weeks old today

Bennie's appointment

We are trying to get to the bottom of Ben's needs. He went to the psychologist today for just his intake appointment. You have to start somewhere. The psychologist graduated last year. She seems nice with her Harry Potter and Dr. Who stickers on her laptop. We shall see where this journey leads. He was thrilled that he got to watch SpongeBob while waiting. We don't have internet or cable at home so tjst was a treat.

A new bead order...

A Blessingway Bead order....

Mother's Day

Well, I made Connor go to church today. He was very polite and asked that I never do that again....

I received flowers, Etta is carrying them in for me, and a mug from the church. That was very sweet of them. They honored mothers in a very touching sermon. Evan picked out a chocolate hazelnut tea for me to try in my new mug.

My portrait

I am so proud thst Ben tried his best. But his school says he does not need help from the OT and he missed getting an IEP by one point on one test. I am trying to restart his private OT. This is a prime example of cognitive and fine motor delays... He was asked to draw a picture of me. In comparison to his classmates his picture is very different.

We are looking at a small private school for him if we can afford it.

Faces of depression

Not everyone knows what Dysthymia is or what double depression is. Few know what serotonin syndrome is either. Well, I do. Dysthymia is lifelong depression. Serotonin syndrome means you are basically, for lack of a better meaning, allergic to most anti-depressants. Life is very hard for me sometimes. Ok, all the time. I have learned to take it in public and in the work place for the most part of I keep my distance. My husband and mother try to understand and put up with a lot. More than I ever would from someone that is for sure. Today I chose to start medication that my body may tolerate. I don't want to. I have fought the idea of it for years. I feel like a failure and broken. This medicarion may change who I am. What if I get lost?

From Etta and Elaina

Elias getting a snack...

Snack time at work...

Back at it...

Feels like I have been doing this for over 20 years....

Oh, I have off and on.

First WIC visit

Eli's first bath...

He wasn't very happy about it but he is officially clean with a real hair washing. Then his hair got a good brushing.

Spit up king....

Elias is such a spitter. I am pumping mainly. He will nurse sometimes but I am just more comfortable pumping this go around. Eli is getting some formula too. He throws up no matter what. I have always sort of made fun of parents for buying expensive gimmick bottles. Well, I broke down and got the new Dr. Brown bottles that fit on breast pumps. Guess what? They seem to be working. Eli has kept more milk down since I got them....

Happy Birthday Annika

15 years old today!!!!