I don't think it's whooping cough. His fever's too high.
Please pray that he'll feel better and soon, that he'll be able to take in fluids and regain his appetite, and that he'll get good rest tonight, sleeping without a shirt in a cool room. The Tylenol is working on the fever, but he still says he's too hot. Poor kiddo. We may visit the doctor Friday.
Blakie's a champ though, letting me take his temperature calmly, then snatching the thermometer from me to take my temperature, both ears, and, while we're at it, why not my nose, arm, chest, and tummy? He has a very gentle bedside manner.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
random observations
Utah loves Honda Elements. Elements, Elements everywhere, and there were even TWO orange ones on one small lot near our hotel. Seems like Bozeman loves them too - I can't swing a dead cat without hitting one, and I like my dead cats to swing wide and free.
When the nurse snickered as I told her I thought my son had whooping cough, I wanted to reach through the phone and shake her. I am not an alarmist mother (as any who've witnessed can attest), and I'm proud of that, so when I say "WHOOPING COUGH," I'm not freaking out. I've analyzed the symptoms, listened to both my child's cough and the examples online, and believe I've come to an educated hypothesis about why he coughs so hard he almost throws up, gasping for air between bouts. However, I also know there's almost nothing the doctor can do for him, so I'm keeping him hydrated and as comfy as possible in the meantime. Still, it breaks my heart to hear him hacking throughout the night, waking scared by how hot his fever is making him.
"Oh God, that's funny," came from the mouth of my wee child yesterday. I promptly explained that we say "Oh my gosh," that I don't care how anyone else says it, he is not permitted to say "Oh God." My horror and indignation were quickly erased by the memory of which family member taught him how to say "dammit." Retraining him is NOTHING compared to retraining ME.
As we shoved through the slushy ice in the parking lot, him riding in the grocery cart, I expected tears at the rough treatment. Instead, he laughed over the violent bumps and veers, saying "It's like a four-wheeler!"
Pulling away from the coffee kiosk (upon pulling up, the clouds opened and a troupe of angels sang the Hallelujah chorus), Blake waved and blew kisses, then said, "Bye little house!" I asked if the girls lived there. "Yes. They sleep under the tent."
Quiz time:
Which Myers girl do you think sold a Victoria's Secret catalog to a fellow student at the tender age of 11? She got 75 cents, and my folks got a call from the boy's mother, wondering if they knew their daughter was in the soft porn trade.
Between the modeling for the video of a Montbell jacket (not yet posted), the modeling of an Outdoor Research Ninjaclava, and the modeling for an ankle protector (not yet posted), I'm beginning to think that BackpackingLight just brought me to OR for my body. I'm oddly comfortable with that.
Quiz answer:
It was Reese. Shocking, I know. We only just started speaking to her again.
When the nurse snickered as I told her I thought my son had whooping cough, I wanted to reach through the phone and shake her. I am not an alarmist mother (as any who've witnessed can attest), and I'm proud of that, so when I say "WHOOPING COUGH," I'm not freaking out. I've analyzed the symptoms, listened to both my child's cough and the examples online, and believe I've come to an educated hypothesis about why he coughs so hard he almost throws up, gasping for air between bouts. However, I also know there's almost nothing the doctor can do for him, so I'm keeping him hydrated and as comfy as possible in the meantime. Still, it breaks my heart to hear him hacking throughout the night, waking scared by how hot his fever is making him.
"Oh God, that's funny," came from the mouth of my wee child yesterday. I promptly explained that we say "Oh my gosh," that I don't care how anyone else says it, he is not permitted to say "Oh God." My horror and indignation were quickly erased by the memory of which family member taught him how to say "dammit." Retraining him is NOTHING compared to retraining ME.
As we shoved through the slushy ice in the parking lot, him riding in the grocery cart, I expected tears at the rough treatment. Instead, he laughed over the violent bumps and veers, saying "It's like a four-wheeler!"
Pulling away from the coffee kiosk (upon pulling up, the clouds opened and a troupe of angels sang the Hallelujah chorus), Blake waved and blew kisses, then said, "Bye little house!" I asked if the girls lived there. "Yes. They sleep under the tent."
Quiz time:
Which Myers girl do you think sold a Victoria's Secret catalog to a fellow student at the tender age of 11? She got 75 cents, and my folks got a call from the boy's mother, wondering if they knew their daughter was in the soft porn trade.
Between the modeling for the video of a Montbell jacket (not yet posted), the modeling of an Outdoor Research Ninjaclava, and the modeling for an ankle protector (not yet posted), I'm beginning to think that BackpackingLight just brought me to OR for my body. I'm oddly comfortable with that.
Quiz answer:
It was Reese. Shocking, I know. We only just started speaking to her again.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
tidbit
Mormons hid the coffee when we were in Salt Lake. That's the only explanation for why two able-bodied women in dire need of caffeine couldn't find any early on a Tuesday morning.
We later found out there's a Starbucks in the hotel across from the convention center where we spent every waking moment.
Ahhh...burned coffee is better than none at all. It was amazing to feel the change go through me as my little heart went pitter-pat in appreciation for the uppers, counteracting the melatonin I'd taken the night before.
I'm sure I'd be a better person without drugs, but maybe I'd be a raving lunatic, and who wants to take the chance?
We later found out there's a Starbucks in the hotel across from the convention center where we spent every waking moment.
Ahhh...burned coffee is better than none at all. It was amazing to feel the change go through me as my little heart went pitter-pat in appreciation for the uppers, counteracting the melatonin I'd taken the night before.
I'm sure I'd be a better person without drugs, but maybe I'd be a raving lunatic, and who wants to take the chance?
gifts
My child is turning three. THREE. This boggles my mind. We watched some videos of him from a year ago, and it was so sweet to hear his lisping voice that has now turned into a more confident version of Daddy Blake on helium.
(Side note: Blake wants for nothing. NOTHING. If you have to get him something, take us out to coffee and play with us. We'll enjoy it more than the toy he'll break or the clothes he'll refuse to wear or the book he'll obsess over and make me read daily and nightly and ever so rightly. Or, you know, whatever you want.)
I think I'm going to invite two other wee people and the requisite mommas and head to the McDonalds play area. It's a very special day, yes sir. Also, maybe sledding, and definitely cake. This birthday may have snuck up on me in a sneaky way, and the party may reflect that (but come on: sledding!), but if there's one thing I can do and do well, it's bake sweet things.
Back in high school, I would routinely torture my family (mostly Dad) by whipping up something lovely and delicious-smelling, then carting all of it off to some youth group function. Dad finally made a rule that I had to make TWO of any given thing - one to take and one to leave behind. He called me "Addie Crocker." I know, totally nerdy and cute, but it's true.
Making people fat must be one of my spiritual gifts, and who am I to turn down a gift given by the Lord God Almighty?
(Side note: Blake wants for nothing. NOTHING. If you have to get him something, take us out to coffee and play with us. We'll enjoy it more than the toy he'll break or the clothes he'll refuse to wear or the book he'll obsess over and make me read daily and nightly and ever so rightly. Or, you know, whatever you want.)
I think I'm going to invite two other wee people and the requisite mommas and head to the McDonalds play area. It's a very special day, yes sir. Also, maybe sledding, and definitely cake. This birthday may have snuck up on me in a sneaky way, and the party may reflect that (but come on: sledding!), but if there's one thing I can do and do well, it's bake sweet things.
Back in high school, I would routinely torture my family (mostly Dad) by whipping up something lovely and delicious-smelling, then carting all of it off to some youth group function. Dad finally made a rule that I had to make TWO of any given thing - one to take and one to leave behind. He called me "Addie Crocker." I know, totally nerdy and cute, but it's true.
Making people fat must be one of my spiritual gifts, and who am I to turn down a gift given by the Lord God Almighty?
purpose
I've finally found a job I love. I LOVE IT. And it's hard because we're in a growth spurt, and a lot is being asked, and I hate to disappoint. I may say that "I can only be SO amazing," but I really want to be amazing all the way while doing everything all the time. While wearing makeup.
That said, I know that this too shall pass (and it's not that bad, it's just taking up too much of my time), and this line from dooce felt all too true:
That book comes out, oh, I don't have any idea. Later this year? I guess I have to finish writing it first, and I didn't know this, but the hardest part about writing a book is ALL THOSE WORDS. The easiest part is ALL THAT DRINKING.
I may not be writing a book, but I've recently edited one and am in the throes of proofing it...while juggling a few other balls. Ok, one thousand other balls. The good news is that I kick ass at this. The bad news is that I am tired and haven't watched a movie in over a week and a half. That's just wrong. When will I ever catch up on my drinking?
That said, I know that this too shall pass (and it's not that bad, it's just taking up too much of my time), and this line from dooce felt all too true:
That book comes out, oh, I don't have any idea. Later this year? I guess I have to finish writing it first, and I didn't know this, but the hardest part about writing a book is ALL THOSE WORDS. The easiest part is ALL THAT DRINKING.
I may not be writing a book, but I've recently edited one and am in the throes of proofing it...while juggling a few other balls. Ok, one thousand other balls. The good news is that I kick ass at this. The bad news is that I am tired and haven't watched a movie in over a week and a half. That's just wrong. When will I ever catch up on my drinking?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
a little something
Between the unpacking, dishes, email, mail, stretching, and plain old relaxing, I haven't time to post these days. I'm sure that will change soon, but until then, enjoy the video (long promised) of Blake showing off his new jam-jams.
PS - Salt Lake was GREAT. I got home to a fully satisfied child who also happened to be over-indulged, over-tired, over-stimulated and loving every minute of it. Thank you Grammie G! We'll be missing you fondly.
PS - Salt Lake was GREAT. I got home to a fully satisfied child who also happened to be over-indulged, over-tired, over-stimulated and loving every minute of it. Thank you Grammie G! We'll be missing you fondly.
Monday, January 21, 2008
SLC
We are here, we are tired, and I'm going to go shower. Drive was good, it was -29F in West Yellowstone (-20F in Bozeman!), and I've spoken to Blake - Grammie G is spoiling him exactly like she should. Have I mentioned yet how much I appreciate her willingness to take him on for an entire week? SO MUCH. I've only given her one requirement: if she gets us a puppy, she has to potty train Blake. She's not indicated that a puppy was on the horizon, but YOU NEVER KNOW.
Also, I love Ryan and Stephanie beyond words. We had a great time in the car, they complimented my music selection ("Baby Got Back" was followed by "Come Ye Sinners" was followed by "Gold Digger" - the unedited version), and we talked and laughed and were silly. They are some of my favorite people, and I get to hang out with them for a whole week!
I hope we all still like each other by Sunday.
Also, I love Ryan and Stephanie beyond words. We had a great time in the car, they complimented my music selection ("Baby Got Back" was followed by "Come Ye Sinners" was followed by "Gold Digger" - the unedited version), and we talked and laughed and were silly. They are some of my favorite people, and I get to hang out with them for a whole week!
I hope we all still like each other by Sunday.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
a few for my homies
Pretty flowers from Aubyn - she's a dear one. I was at first alarmed that the flowers (sent on a non-event day) were from someone from whom flowers would not be welcome...but they were from her, thanking me for being a friend!
For aunt Karen - my wee snowman. I love you!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
salt lake city
Apparently, I have neglected to mention to many of you that I am leaving for a business trip very early on Monday morning, and I won't get back until Sunday evening. We're going to Salt Lake City for Outdoor Retailer, the biggest convention for outdoor recreation businesses in the country. I'm really excited - I'll get to meet folks I've previously only emailed or spoken to on the phone, I get to try on my hat as an editor (not sure what this will entail), I get to prowl the floor with Stephanie to find new fun items we should carry in the gear store...and she & I get Tuesday to ourselves.
IKEA, here we come!
I'm not really certain what to expect. I know Ryan is always completely wiped out afterwards because all our guys stay up until unholy hours, posting dispatches about the show to our site. I may end up being errand-girl extraordinaire, but I can do that. Apparently, there's custard involved.
Anyway, Margie is getting here tomorrow (pray for safe travels), and will be with little Blakie all week long. Pray for THAT too. They are by no means strangers, but she's very brave to jump into a full week in a town not her own, with a child she's had limited time with - I am nervous for both of them.
I'm sure she'll do fine, and whatever rules of my get casually ignored, well, I guess that's a Grammie's job (MY mother has certainly done her share of ignoring). Besides, she'll have to live with the consequences too, at least for a little bit! I'm currently making lists of likes/dislikes, fun places to visit (plus directions), meals, health instructions, etc. etc. There is A LOT to think about, but I'm super-grateful for her willingness to do this.
I'll have email and my phone, but it may be quiet on the blogging front for a while. If you JUST. CAN'T. STAND. IT...well, check out dooce. Or, check out our site: www.backpackinglight.com. We upload stuff every day, and I'm not sure what my contribution could be, but there may be modeling involved. I hear some of the guys are bringing two-pieces, so I am bringing my HandyCam.
Should be a good time. I'm tired, getting everything prepped for it, but looking forward to whatever comes my way. Also, we are bringing our own wine. Never know what those Mormons might water down and try to pass off as alcohol - like they do with the beer. Sheesh - gotta keep your eyes on those ones, I'll tell you what. Sneaky.
IKEA, here we come!
I'm not really certain what to expect. I know Ryan is always completely wiped out afterwards because all our guys stay up until unholy hours, posting dispatches about the show to our site. I may end up being errand-girl extraordinaire, but I can do that. Apparently, there's custard involved.
Anyway, Margie is getting here tomorrow (pray for safe travels), and will be with little Blakie all week long. Pray for THAT too. They are by no means strangers, but she's very brave to jump into a full week in a town not her own, with a child she's had limited time with - I am nervous for both of them.
I'm sure she'll do fine, and whatever rules of my get casually ignored, well, I guess that's a Grammie's job (MY mother has certainly done her share of ignoring). Besides, she'll have to live with the consequences too, at least for a little bit! I'm currently making lists of likes/dislikes, fun places to visit (plus directions), meals, health instructions, etc. etc. There is A LOT to think about, but I'm super-grateful for her willingness to do this.
I'll have email and my phone, but it may be quiet on the blogging front for a while. If you JUST. CAN'T. STAND. IT...well, check out dooce. Or, check out our site: www.backpackinglight.com. We upload stuff every day, and I'm not sure what my contribution could be, but there may be modeling involved. I hear some of the guys are bringing two-pieces, so I am bringing my HandyCam.
Should be a good time. I'm tired, getting everything prepped for it, but looking forward to whatever comes my way. Also, we are bringing our own wine. Never know what those Mormons might water down and try to pass off as alcohol - like they do with the beer. Sheesh - gotta keep your eyes on those ones, I'll tell you what. Sneaky.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
boundaries
I was tickling (provoking) Blake today while we were watching a cartoon. He was not as interested in playing as he was in whatever was happening on the one-eyed babysitter, and was lamely smacking and pulling at my hands, when he finally got fed up and said,
"No, Momma. You keep your hands to yourself, please."
"No, Momma. You keep your hands to yourself, please."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)