Up To Speed With This Blogging Slacker

Just thought I'd get y'all (all of 6 readers, prolly) caught up with our goings-on the past few weeks.

• Snow was awesome the weekend of Valentine's Day, complete with a visit from Grammy & Grandaddy.  Knox LOVES the snow and might love sledding down our little hills even more.

• I've been working on a few things for Cecily, and some things will soon be available via my Etsy Storefront so check out my Creative Blog for info when items will be listed

• Knox knows where Cecily is:  if focused, he'll lift my shirt and put his finger in my belly button

• Knox has his 5th or 6th ear infection.  His NP now thinks that he will need tubes due to the number of infections, his delayed/chopped speech (by chopped I mean he normally only says the first syllable of each word) and his off sense of balance.  We head back to the ENT on March 9th.

• Due to the infection, he's on a fourth type of antibiotics.  We're on type number four due to his rash/whelp reaction to other antibiotics.  His NP and an immunologist she consulted with believed his reaction to be associated with a red dye in the other antibiotics, and not the antibiotics themselves.  We thought we were in the clear with this one, a non-red dye antibiotic, but he started his rash/whelp reaction today.  Looks like a trip to the allergist, in addition to the ENT.

• I'll be 21 weeks on Monday (only 18 to go to C-section!!!), and we get to see Cecily again.  This would actually be the gender reveal if we hadn't already done so!  I COULD NOT have waited this long!  ;)

That's about it for now.  I'll leave you with a few more pics of our snow day!  Hope you have an amazing weekend!

 

 

  

Quick Week in Review & a POLL!

Just wanted to let you guys know were still here--but barely, after this past week.

Knox and I headed to my parents house this past Sunday for an early birthday celebration (my 30th is in one WEEK!  EEEK!) while Keith headed to California for a work week on Monday.  We had a great day Sunday and Monday, and had plans to head to Keith's parent's house for Wednesday and Thursday.

Plan we may, but the germs came to play.  Knox woke up Monday night with an absolutely horrid stomach bug.  After being up with him for about 30 minutes to an hour, I notice my stomach was not feeling normal.  My hunches were correct, and I joined Knox in what turned into a 4 day battle with the bad bug.  It was the most terrible sickness I've ever had next to the flu.  To see such a little body of Knox's go through what I was going through was torture--immensely scary.

I don't know what I would have done if we were home alone.  My mother was definitely my saving grace taking care of both Knox and I, while doing laundry we produced for the three days we were there.  Thankfully, neither she nor my father have caught the bug yet and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Keith doesn't get it.  We managed to make it home on Thursday afternoon with only minor "difficulties" on my part, and Keith made it home at 8:00am Friday on the red-eye.

*Update:  Keith got it last night.  :(

The weekend has been entirely devoted to getting our house decluttered and organized.  Things looks somewhat in place to the passer-byer (sp?), but be warned--don't open most closets!  Some have been organized, but with time, they've gotten a little messy again.  Yesterday was clean out the storage closet day--it houses holiday decorations, luggage, personal affects, and some home decor that will be repurposed one day.  I managed to separate about 1/3 of the stuff to be given away.  And that's on top of the 6-7 bags of clothes, shoes and jackets that came from our clothes closet last weekend.  I'm not even entertaining the idea of a yard sale.  I don't want that stuff in my house for a few more months, while waiting for the weather to get warm enough.  The extra money would be nice for more storage containers, but I'm just going to find a shelter that needs all of those things.

Now, on to the really fun stuff--more baby stuff!  Keith and I have settled on a boy name, but we can't nail down the last two girl names to the final one.  We both go rounds of random reasons why we should go with one of the other.  At this point it's quite humorous.  So, I want to know what you think.  Vote in my little online poll on the side bar--you don't have to be a member of anything to do so.  Just click and vote!

*Is anyone having issues voting?  I think I need to set it up again...

A Belated Weekend Recap

I meant to do this on Monday, but Wild Man was still ill and stayed home from school--resulting in a near mommy melt-down from day-long whining. :)

We were blessed with a visit from Grammy and Grandaddy over the weekend, and had an amazing time as usual. We went to Stone Mountain State Park, and mainly drove around. We ended up at the covered bridge and took a short "hike" through the woods there. Knox was thrilled to see ducks on the water, but our (my) fun was slightly dampened by the dead (?) baby snake Knox and Grammy tried to play with when they thought it was a night crawler. Eeee! I get the eeby-jeebies just thinking about it. We got some great shots of three generations of Rogers men in the end, though!

Our next stop was at the Yellow River Game Ranch just about 5 minutes from Stone Mountain. Knox was in heaven--outside with tons of animals you could just tell he wanted to go squeeze. We were "those" people saying the name of EVERY animal we saw, quickly followed by the appropriate animal noise. Funny, we were never around the same people for an extended period of time. Haha! :) Knox was so worn out by all the excitement, he fell asleep mid-motion in the car on the way home. He has NEVER done that, but he was also diagnosed with this third ear infection of the year on Friday, so he wasn't quite up to par and that could have had something to do with it (on top of the fact that he STILL has a cold).

Anywho, a great weekend was had (Saturday was topped off with a super yummy dinner at the Japanese steakhouse!!!) We love having company, and when company is family, it is just that much sweeter. :) :) :) Thanks for the great weekend, Grammy & Grandaddy!

Desperately wanting to throw rocks.

All I have to say is, "AW!" :)

Aw! Again

And say it with me now, "AW!"

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture--Grammy, I will get you the hi-res version. :)

These next set of pics I like to call "Wild Game--Up Close & Personal." I used the GIGANTIC lens Keith loves to use (me, not so much) so it was hard to scoot back far enough, but then again I love those up close and personal pics anyway.

This silly billy goat had his head stuck through the door of this feed shoot (?)

Grandaddy, Knox and the silly billy goats

He's sticking his tongue out at me! :)

Oink, Oink, Oink!

Look into my eyes...this was a Knox-sized pony

Whatcha lookin' at gurl?

I LOVE peacocks, but never got a decent shot. :(

Raccoon running his wheel

This chipmunk/squirrel just cracked me up with his scrunched up face!

More sickness and a few randoms

Well, Knox is sick--yet again. Not sure if it's the croup coming back to haunt us, like his NP said it might, but he's running a fever of 100-102 degrees the past day. He even got sick on our bed this afternoon, so that may be a sign that it's something completely different. Yay. I'll be making a call first thing tomorrow AM if the fever hasn't subsided overnight.

In the meantime, I'm catching up on a few projects that I hadn't had a chance to get to like, FINALLY monogramming my BFFs aprons that I made them for CHRISTMAS (yeah, I know, I'm a bit late...), monogramming bags for Jayma (yes, I'm finally getting to those too!) and hemming curtains for my parents (I am HORRID at hemming! Can't EVER get the same measurement twice! URRGGHH!) I'm also working on a few new creative projects--a few to sell through my business for my "sistas" including two items for which I made my own font! FUN!!!

I have definitely come to the realization that I do, in fact, have creative ADD due to the fact I am always trying to create something new (to me) and different. My current obsession is my digital cutter, and I'm so antsy right now because I'm having issues with my newest blade that cuts chipboard & balsa wood--the heavy duty stuff. I have actually already used it for a paying job for wedding hang tags, and for my own personal use of business card tags. Check them out! I have also added prices for some things over there, and will be getting to adding prices on things posted previously. In addition, I've added the ease of a PayPal payment button. You just click, insert a short description (similar to what you email me), insert the payment amount (along with debit/credit card/PayPal account info) and TA-DA! You've just purchased your unique, personalized, and OH-SO-very cute item! :) (Checks are still welcome, too!)

Now that I've shamelessly promoted my own business, I'll leave you in saying to check out the Great Day Graphics blog in a few days to see pics of some of the gifts I mentioned earlier in this post!

Have a great week, y'all!

No Excuse

So there is no excuse for my slacker-type ways in the area of blogging recently.  I have to say, though, I don't know where the month of April went and I hate that our whole little family has been sick twice in the past 6 weeks.  The combo of traveling EVERY weekend in the month of April and being sick for almost two full weeks of six just hasn't made me up to sitting and typing beyond work.

Tonight, the mood struck as I sit outside on my new FABULOUS patio dining set, with super cushy cushions (feet propped up on the table--shhh!  Don't tell!) and enjoy the added breeze of the night from our outdoor ceiling fans (after inhaling an amazing sushi dinner).  Happy Mother's Day to meeeee!  The dining set is also Keith's Father's Day present, but I think all parties involved came out on the up-and-up.  It fits perfectly under our little porch, and we can't wait to have peeps over to enjoy it with us.

In other random news, Knox is still loving "school" and has gotten to the point where he doesn't even really cry when we drop him off.  Of course that happened on Monday of the past week, when he decided to get sick on Tuesday for the rest of the week.  He has the croup, which I didn't realize was like a cold, just with different symptoms.  I got the cold and think we shared with Daddy a bit too--though Daddy's symptoms are a bit different, so he might have gotten them elsewhere.  Just hope he doesn't share with us.

We've been planting and cultivating away at our out of doors.  I have potted many plants and spread much flower seeds and started our little veggie garden, while Keith has cut grass, dug holes for a few of my plants and spread pine straw.  He even bought fab pathway lights for the front and back walkways.  If all goes according to plan, we'll have tomatoes, pole beans, cukes, crookneck squash, zucchini, bell peppers and a variety of herbs in addition to our shade plants under the patio.  The pictures of Knox are from our fun day of playing in the rain--which day you ask, since there has been SO MANY (BOO!)--last Saturday, and it was SO MUCH FUN!

So that's our extremely brief catch up to our days in the Rogers's Neighborhood.  Hopefully, I'll get back in groove of posting since we can calm down a wee bit for the next few weeks.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the wonderful mother's out there!  Ma Jack and Grammy, we love you more than you could ever know!

A Bitty Lapse

We've had a small set back in blogging--called the stomach virus.  We made it to TN for Keith's grandmother's 80th SURPRISE party and while there we got a little "surprise" of our own.  Knox woke up Saturday with the stomach bug, but to be feeling better by mid-day.  On our way home Sunday, I started feeling bad, only to come home with the stomach bug myself.  Once I started feeling better, we found out Grammy had started to come down with it, quickly followed by Grandadddy and Daddy.

Other than that, school went wonderful for Wild Man, and I think his sweet teacher will miss him for two weeks.  I meet my parents in Birmingham, since they TOLD me that they were keeping him during their Spring Break.  :)  Instead of immediately turning back to ATL, my BFF Jayma and her hubby's family graciously accepted an "intruder" on their Easter Sunday, which also happened to be BJ's birthday.  Since my parents high-tailed it once they had my child :), I was glad to spend Easter Sunday with such a wonderful family, though I missed Hubs something terrible.  I was glad I was able to spend the night with Jayma and sit around to keep her company for a bit before heading back home today.

I think I already miss my Bug, but I know I'll get TONS done, since I have three showers I'm helping hostess in two weekends (all in one weekend that is two weekends away)!  I know he's having a blast with his Ma Jack & Big Daddy, and vice versa, but you just can't help miss the little turkey!!!

Rediscovery of the "Magic" Machine

If you've been keeping up-to-date with the last few posts, you know we've had a doozie of the past few weeks.  This was extended into the weekend with me getting a cold for my birthday (which was an absolutely fabulous one, by the way!), and quickly followed to me sharing the bug with Knox.

Not only has Knox been sick with one thing or another the past few weeks, but he hasn't been sleeping well in the mornings.  Since, oh I don't know, November or December maybe, Knox not been able to sleep past 6:30 in the morning--though 6:00 was the norm.  We do the same routine each night, and he sleeps VERY soundly until 6:00ish and we'd let him kinda whine until 6:30, when we'd either put him in bed with us or get in the bed in his room.  That's when he thought the party was starting, since he was ready to roll around with the dogs and play.  Since the beginning of 2009, the 6ish became more of a 5:30ish--YUCK!  I know most of this was due to his teeth initially (which are huge bulges in that little mouth--all four one-year molars, too!)  Of course, we all know why he hasn't been able to sleep the past few weeks.  Nap time was very similar, in that he simply DID NOT sleep for longer than an hour and a half.  And that was once a day.

During most of Knox's first year, I kept his cool-mist humidifier on constantly.  The only reason we quit using it was for me to clean (it was NASTY!), and with my urge to unplug everything, we just never refilled it.  So, I decided to give it a whirl once more, just to see if it would help baby boy.  The first attempt was two nights ago, and I woke up yesterday absolutely freaked out--and rested.  It was 6:30 before I heard the first peep, and 7:00 before he was really whining.  Was it a fluke?  Maybe, maybe not.

We haven't been to the gym since Thursday, with Knox's second rash, then our colds.  We did manage to get out for a bit to get some errands done.  Even though he slept until almost 7am, he was conked out in the car by 10am.  When we got home, I changed his diaper and turned on all of his "necessities"--sound machine, fan, heater and now humidifier.  That boy slept for 3 hours and 20 minutes, until I went in to wake him up!

I was thrilled again this A.M. when I woke up at 6:30 on my own, habit now I guess, and I was freaked out again--no peep to be heard.  Knox didn't make his first peep until 7:15!!!!!!!!  WHOOOO HOOOO!!!!  Fluke, I think NOT!  So moral to this story of the "magic" machine, is that if you have a wee little one and don't have a cool mist humidifier--GET ONE!  (Too bad I can't get endorsement deals for this little blub. ;)

Poor Baby, Chapter 2

Last night, as I was getting Knox ready for bed, I noticed that his elbow and thighs seemed to be a bit "textured" so I thought he had some extremely dry skin.  I greased him down with lotion and put him to bed.  He slept well until about 5:15.  We let him cry for awhile, hoping he would go back to sleep like he normally does.

Well, he didn't.  I changed his diaper in the dark, and laid down with him in his bed hoping he would drift back to sleep.  That didn't work either.  When we finally got to the point of getting dressed for the day, I got a little surprise.  His "dry" skin was a new rash that predominately covered his checks, one ear, arms and thighs.  Great.  I already knew this warranted another trip to the doctor, and the gym clothes I just put on would not be put to proper use.

We got in right away, and actually saw the MD, or whatever his professional initials are.  He confirmed what I already suspected--Knox was also allergic to antibiotic #2, Omnicef.  This rash was more bumpy/pimply-er, as to the more blotchy rash he developed Monday with the penicillin-form antibiotic.  Good news was that he deemed his ear infection clear, so there was no need to progress to antibiotic #3.  Bad news is that we don't know what antibiotic his sweet little body will play nice with.  Doctor did prescribe a stronger form of Benedryll (sp?) for the itchiness.  I guess the Omnicef just has to work its way out of his body before the rash goes away, but it steadily got worse throughout the day.  Having said that, he was significantly "happier" today than the past two days.  No real tantrums until this evening, and I know his little body is just worn out.  Check out the poor baby's pictures below.

On a side note, I would like to say YAY to Jayma and BJ!  I reported previously that they are expecting, and were expecting a boy.  Well, we stand corrected.  Jayma had her official 18 week ultrasound and found that Baby Bowling is, indeed, a GIRL! :)

His poor little legs were the worst!

His ears were the things that got significantly worse throughout the day.

Still a silly boy despite the itchies

Poor Baby

This post is "dedicated" to my Aunt Anna Virginia (Jenny), since she emailed me to tell me that she could only look at my organized closets for so long.  :)

Well, since I posted last Knox has had a rough week and a half.  I've reported that he's been teething his molars, which is now confirmed by his doctor.  We had to see the doctor because he was being extra ornery last Wednesday & Thursday.  His temperature Thursday night and Friday morning was 103--he's never had a fever that high, but I chalked it up to his teeth and gave him Motrin.  My Mom & Dad were coming in Friday to help me celebrate my upcoming birthday, and Mom said I should take him into the doctor just in case something else was going on.  They got to our house just in time for Mom to accompany me to the Dr.  Once there she confirmed my teething theory, and added a twist.  Knox had his first ear infection.  Fab.  We get his antibiotics, ear drops and more Motrin to help the poor baby out.  Almost instantly the meds took ahold, and started acting like he was feeling a little bit better since he and Big Daddy were playing some mean games of "I'm gonna get you." :)  I love having my parents come visit--and not just because they entertain their grandson. :)

Sunday night, as Keith and I were getting Knox ready for bed, I noticed a rash of sorts on his back.  He wasn't itching or anything, and I thought it might be the new pajamas Ma Jack got him from Target irritating him since I hadn't washed them before he wore them.  He slept wonderfully, so I thought nothing much of it until I was getting him ready Monday morning.  His rash had spread to his neck, chest and around his face.  Once we got to the gym, I had to check his diaper and the rash went all the way to his bottom.  So I call the doctor again and get worked in for an hour later.  Before I called the doctor, I called Mom to see how Christopher reacted when they realize he was allergic to penicillin.  Apparently different kids react a little differently, but he had whelps and Knox had a rash.  So the doctor said Knox was indeed allergic to penicillin and the related family of antibiotics.  Here we go back to the pharmacy to fill another prescription.  Later Monday, Daddy brings Knox to the office, which I don't do, because there are too many things he can get into and hurt himself.  Hurt himself, he did, as he wobbled face first into a piece of wood I had out for a current project.  Two big cuts, one on his left check and one of his chin, appeared.  Fab again.

Tuesday morning I give him his medicine, which he hates the taste of.  No wonder the pharmacy asked if I wanted it flavored, but at $3 extra, I had to pass.  We hadn't budgeted for two trips to the doctor and three prescriptions within 4 days.  BUT as long as he's well, we really don't care.  When Daddy got home, he and Knox headed out for some playtime.  By the time they got in about 15-20 minutes later, Knox had a matching "battle wound" on this right cheek.  Knox and the patio concrete got into a "disagreement".  Funny how blood is drawn when Knox is with Daddy, and not Mommy. Hmmm?  Poor baby.

Ma Jack, Wild Man & Big Daddy

"Walking" Chloe--Notice her unwillingness to cooperate

Handsome Hubby

My men

Epitome of a rough and tumble little boy

Big Daddy's idea of letting him push himself in the swing-haha!

A bit under the weather...

...may have been a slight understatement in how us Lamm-Rogers have been feeling--hence the lack in posts.  Well not all Lamm-Rogers, just Keith and I specifically.  We had a joint doctor's visit last night at 8:00pm, with wild man in tow, making for a more complicated visit since he wants to be into everything.

The sickness started over Thanksgiving so I have no fun family photos to post, because I was so sick and I didn't even feel like getting the camera out!  BOO!  Now the sickness is making me not want to finish all of my projects for Knox's birthday.  What a fine time to get sick--the weeks leading to your first child's first birthday party.  Fabulous.  BUT WE WILL PREVAIL!!!  :)  I don't feel so "bad" other than the ache that is my left sinus under my cheekbone, which continues it's wrath to my top teeth making chewing a difficult task.  Oh, don't worry.  I still manage to shove food into my mouth, just like I did during Turkey Day.  I couldn't taste a dern thing, but I still ate it because it was Thanksgiving and I HAD to have turkey and dressing.  Anywho, I digress as usual.

Daddy and I will get things finished so Knox will have a wonderful first birthday party, and what doesn't get accomplished no one else will know the difference. :)

Crazy Days

So, I'm sitting here like a crazy, worried aunt or mom, waiting to hear how pref night went my best friend's sister.  Anna's in school at Birmingham Southern and her last night of rush/recruitment is tonight.  Alpha Omicron Pi and Alpha Chi Omega are her last two.  Since my days as an AOPi at Ole Miss, I haven't known many younger girl acquaintances that have gone AOPi at any school.  SO, I think it would be fabulous if Anna chose AOPi so we could have something else in common other than Jayma and I could share with her all the wonderful things there is to know about the sisterhood.  BUT, my first concern is for her to find a house where she feels she fits and where she believes she'll foster life-long friendship like I was able to do back in my day.

Anyway, that is not my main reason for the post, though it is to help pass time until Jayma calls.  We have had a crazy several days in the Rogers household, but then again, what's new?  Knox and I went to Florence last Wednesday since Daddy left at the crack of dawn on Thursday for a business trip to Pennsylvania.  Our main purpose for the trip home was to shower my BFF, Tiffany, with gifts for her sweet little bun in the oven, Norah.  This is where all of the pictures have come from.  In addition to spending time with family and old friends, I was able to get some more things done with the 10 year high school reunion (I'm excited and looking forward to it, but I can't wait until all the planning is OVER!)  Daddy had fun up north, especially playing at the World of Chocolate and bringing home way too much chocolate that will find a permanent home on Mommy's buttock and thighs.

Also while Knox and I were home, we were "lucky" enough to catch yet another cold.  Knox and I are just fighting runny noses and the occasional sneeze.  This cold hasn't been nearly as bad as the last, but has managed to put my excema into overdrive.  I have a huge patch on the bottom of each of my palms that looks like I have severely burnt myself since the beginning phase is red, fevered blisters.  Nice mental picture, huh?  And of course the newest dermatologist in my conquest to find a decent one doesn't have an appointment until Friday.  Fabulous.  

An upside to the not so wonderful things, is that Knox is getting more and more mobile (I guess that's good.  Haha!) and that we officially have four teeth through gums, though they are not all the way in.  Check back in a few days for Knox's "official" 9 months stats since we head to the pediatrician on Thursday--the same day as Big Daddy's birthday!

The burp cloths I appliqued for Norah

The wall hanging that matches the invitations and the rug in Norah's room

Tiffany and all the grandmothers

The proud parents, Tiffany & Russell

Aunt Jay and Knox

Prego and her hostesses

Left to right:  Emily, Me, Anne, Tiff, Euna, Anne Martha & Jayma