So we all went back to the hotel for some quiet time... okay, Scott and I needed a nap! So we put on a movie and all laid down. Scott and I fell alseep almost instantly.
After an hour or so I woke up with a very itchy neck. It started with absent minded scratching and quickly started feeling like it was hot and burning. I finally clued in that this was not a normal amount of itching so I got up and looked in the mirror. My neck was covered in big red hives!
I lifted my shirt and found that my body was covered in violent red blotches and budding hives. It was getting worse, quickly. We decided that I needed to get to a hospital quickly. Scott stayed in the room with the kids and I got myself a taxi.
Short version of a long story: the doctor I saw could not pin point the cause of my reaction. I got a dose of prednizone and a shot of epinephrine and my hives went away fairly quickly. He figured it was my prescription for my sinus infection- even though I have taken the same meds many times before with no reaction. This doctor said that it is possible to develop sudden allergies to things I've had before. I left with a new prescription and several warnings.
The best lesson I learned today was how quickly you get attention in the ER when you say you are having an allergic reaction! I was very impressed with the hospital and the care that they gave me. I haven't seen the bill so I expect that I'll be paying for the attention.
Scott figures it was my salad at lunch- it contained nuts. I have never been allergic to nuts but neither have I ever had an issue with my prescriptions.
By the time I got home from the hospital it was too late to take the kids to the water slide. I felt like a jerk for having us stay at a hotel with an awesome water slide and then none of us being able to go. Daughter-in-law of Rash Man in the house!
We all went to bed early tired from the stress and the activities of the day. We also had an early flight to catch the next day. Hopefully tomorrow goes better.
December 22, 2009
December 21, 2009
December 19- Part 1 Minneapolis and Mall of America
The day started early for all of us since we arrived in Minneapolis just before 7am. All of our luggage arrived too. (Yeah!) We grabbed a taxi and headed off to the randomly selected hotel near the Mall of America (MOA) that I had booked for us.
We were booked at the Radisson. As we were pulling up we saw that the Water Slide park of America was also attached to the hotel. A huge complex of large waterslides that wove in and out of the building. The kids were so excited! I congratulated myself on having booked such a lucky location. Georgia kept thanking us over and over again for taking her on this trip.She was having so much fun already. When she saw the hotel she started all over again. The kids were even excited about taking their first taxi ride.
We had breakfast at the hotel and caught a shuttle to the MOA. The kids were excited all over again when they saw Nickelodeon Land. (I would start a rant here about how it was MUCH better when it was Camp Snoopy but I suspect that I would be alone in that sentiment.) The kids were anxious to go there. Scott and I made them walk two full full floors before we caved and went to the amusement park.
We had just bought some tickets for the rides and were debating where to start a woman came up to us and asked if we needed tickets for the rides. We said that we had just bought some. I asked if she had some to sell. She said no- she had some to give. She then proceeded to give us three all access passes for the kids! She said that she worked at a radio station and had them to give. I was astounded at her generosity! Merry Christmas indeed! We thanked her profusely and then went on all the rides we could stomach.
A word about the rides: Scott and I took turns chaperoning the kids on the rides- as Finn needed to be accompanied by someone taller than 49" on most of the rides. Scott did not throw up although he said it was close on "Diego's Rescue Adventure". I was starting to feel a little green on the second time around on the big swings.
I took the kids on the log chute. I had showed them all the route but apparently Olivia hadn't been paying attention because she completely freaked out after the first 90 degree free fall drop. The look of terror on her face didn't diminish the look of excitement of her two siblings. We continued the rest of the ride and Olivia was very brave.
I think the best quote of the afternoon was from Georgia after she rode the roller coaster with Scott. Yes, Scott rode the roller coaster. Twice! Once with each girl. Once more and he said he would have been sick. She came off the roller coaster and holding her hands in fists above her head turned to Scott and shouted "THAT WAS AWESOME!"
To repay the kindness that was given to us we gave our $50 worth of ride tickets away to others too.
We ate a quick bite at the mall, burgers and chicken and fries for the kids, Chinese for Scott and a green salad for me. (More on that later.) We caught the shuttle back to the hotel and all crashed for some quiet time and a desperately needed nap.
We were booked at the Radisson. As we were pulling up we saw that the Water Slide park of America was also attached to the hotel. A huge complex of large waterslides that wove in and out of the building. The kids were so excited! I congratulated myself on having booked such a lucky location. Georgia kept thanking us over and over again for taking her on this trip.She was having so much fun already. When she saw the hotel she started all over again. The kids were even excited about taking their first taxi ride.
We had breakfast at the hotel and caught a shuttle to the MOA. The kids were excited all over again when they saw Nickelodeon Land. (I would start a rant here about how it was MUCH better when it was Camp Snoopy but I suspect that I would be alone in that sentiment.) The kids were anxious to go there. Scott and I made them walk two full full floors before we caved and went to the amusement park.
We had just bought some tickets for the rides and were debating where to start a woman came up to us and asked if we needed tickets for the rides. We said that we had just bought some. I asked if she had some to sell. She said no- she had some to give. She then proceeded to give us three all access passes for the kids! She said that she worked at a radio station and had them to give. I was astounded at her generosity! Merry Christmas indeed! We thanked her profusely and then went on all the rides we could stomach.
A word about the rides: Scott and I took turns chaperoning the kids on the rides- as Finn needed to be accompanied by someone taller than 49" on most of the rides. Scott did not throw up although he said it was close on "Diego's Rescue Adventure". I was starting to feel a little green on the second time around on the big swings.
I took the kids on the log chute. I had showed them all the route but apparently Olivia hadn't been paying attention because she completely freaked out after the first 90 degree free fall drop. The look of terror on her face didn't diminish the look of excitement of her two siblings. We continued the rest of the ride and Olivia was very brave.
I think the best quote of the afternoon was from Georgia after she rode the roller coaster with Scott. Yes, Scott rode the roller coaster. Twice! Once with each girl. Once more and he said he would have been sick. She came off the roller coaster and holding her hands in fists above her head turned to Scott and shouted "THAT WAS AWESOME!"
To repay the kindness that was given to us we gave our $50 worth of ride tickets away to others too.
We ate a quick bite at the mall, burgers and chicken and fries for the kids, Chinese for Scott and a green salad for me. (More on that later.) We caught the shuttle back to the hotel and all crashed for some quiet time and a desperately needed nap.
December 18- Leaving
The day has finally come... the day that we leave for Palm Springs on our first Christmas away from home. We will be meeting up with Scott's family in Palm Springs. We have a pretty convoluted trip planned on how to get there:
Step One: drive to Minot. ( Dec 18)
Step Two: get on the Amtrak to Minneapolis. (Dec 19)
Step Three: a full day in Minneapolis (Mall of America is calling!)
Step Four: flight to Palm Springs (Dec 20)
We had packed the night before so all we had to do was set out Margaret's food and water (Thanks again Barb, Will and Wayne!), turn off the water and get us and all of our stuff out into the van.
The kids really do not have much of a sense of distance as it relates to our trip. Our first leg was heading down Minot to catch the Amtrak train. The kids were asking if we were there yet by the time we were near Pipestone. Um, sorry kids we're not even close.
The US border guards gave us a strange look when we described our travel plans. His question was "why aren't you just driving to Minneapolis?"
The Amtrak station in Minot was very easy to find and we arrived in time for our train. We packed light although you'd never know it to see us hauling out 5 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, 3 teddy bears, and 3 car seats to the train. Mommy and Daddy pack mules in the house! The kids had assured us that they would be able to pull their own suitcases but apparently they meant only part of the time. And not now.
We got on the train and found seats mostly together. Scott was with Finn and the girls and I were further back in the same car. The kids all fell asleep once the train started but I was too paranoid that someone would try to steal my kids so I stayed awake. Yes, I do understand how riduculous I am when it comes to that but I can't help it. I have issues about sleeping in public and this was not going to be the place where I would break my internal rules.
The train was okay but I am glad it was a night train and that the kids would sleep most of the trip. The seats are large and comfortable although we were in the last seats next to the door to the next car, which also happened to be the dining car. There was lots of traffic back and forth. The kids slept well and were excited when we pulled into Minneapolis early on Saturday morning.
We all made it to Minneapolis, luggage and all car seats. Step one: check!
Step One: drive to Minot. ( Dec 18)
Step Two: get on the Amtrak to Minneapolis. (Dec 19)
Step Three: a full day in Minneapolis (Mall of America is calling!)
Step Four: flight to Palm Springs (Dec 20)
We had packed the night before so all we had to do was set out Margaret's food and water (Thanks again Barb, Will and Wayne!), turn off the water and get us and all of our stuff out into the van.
The kids really do not have much of a sense of distance as it relates to our trip. Our first leg was heading down Minot to catch the Amtrak train. The kids were asking if we were there yet by the time we were near Pipestone. Um, sorry kids we're not even close.
The US border guards gave us a strange look when we described our travel plans. His question was "why aren't you just driving to Minneapolis?"
The Amtrak station in Minot was very easy to find and we arrived in time for our train. We packed light although you'd never know it to see us hauling out 5 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, 3 teddy bears, and 3 car seats to the train. Mommy and Daddy pack mules in the house! The kids had assured us that they would be able to pull their own suitcases but apparently they meant only part of the time. And not now.
We got on the train and found seats mostly together. Scott was with Finn and the girls and I were further back in the same car. The kids all fell asleep once the train started but I was too paranoid that someone would try to steal my kids so I stayed awake. Yes, I do understand how riduculous I am when it comes to that but I can't help it. I have issues about sleeping in public and this was not going to be the place where I would break my internal rules.
The train was okay but I am glad it was a night train and that the kids would sleep most of the trip. The seats are large and comfortable although we were in the last seats next to the door to the next car, which also happened to be the dining car. There was lots of traffic back and forth. The kids slept well and were excited when we pulled into Minneapolis early on Saturday morning.
We all made it to Minneapolis, luggage and all car seats. Step one: check!
November 5, 2009
A New Spark and Brownie
The girls has their formal enrollment into Sparks and Brownies this week. WE are all very proud of you.
October 27, 2009
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
Sorry, I haven't posted since last week. We've been quite busy around the house with activities and parties hosted by us.
I had a jewelery party last week too. Thanks to everyone who ordered. I closed the party yesterday and our product should be here late this week.
The girls finally got their friend birthday party. We went to the Costume Closet and had a great dress up party! We had about 12 kids there and they all had a great time. I will post pictures but just not today. Then everyone came back to our house for a brief play and cupcakes. The girls enjoyed themselves. The house, however, looked like a cyclone went through.
This week the only changes from the normal is that both Georgia and Finn will get their H1N1 vaccines. (Only they qualify this go around.) And the kids have several Halloween parties through activities and school during the week. This year our family will be dressed as The Incredibles. All 5 of us. I have made us t-shirts and we all have black masks. Don;t worry- there will be a photo record of this.
Scott is also very excited that this week is the Winnipeg Comic Convention (or ComicCon for those who speak geek). Scott and Wayne have been planning on going since last year. Both were quite upset when they found that the Wpg ComicCon was at the same time as our trip to Vegas. There was pouting. But they are keen to go this year. Will and I are happy to let them go alone.
I had a jewelery party last week too. Thanks to everyone who ordered. I closed the party yesterday and our product should be here late this week.
The girls finally got their friend birthday party. We went to the Costume Closet and had a great dress up party! We had about 12 kids there and they all had a great time. I will post pictures but just not today. Then everyone came back to our house for a brief play and cupcakes. The girls enjoyed themselves. The house, however, looked like a cyclone went through.
This week the only changes from the normal is that both Georgia and Finn will get their H1N1 vaccines. (Only they qualify this go around.) And the kids have several Halloween parties through activities and school during the week. This year our family will be dressed as The Incredibles. All 5 of us. I have made us t-shirts and we all have black masks. Don;t worry- there will be a photo record of this.
It is Halloween later this week! My high holiday. Check your local listings for the standard Charles Schulz classic "The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Of course you could always go with any of the horror classics if you are feeling brave. (Halloween, Saw 1-5, Hellraiser etc.)
Scott is also very excited that this week is the Winnipeg Comic Convention (or ComicCon for those who speak geek). Scott and Wayne have been planning on going since last year. Both were quite upset when they found that the Wpg ComicCon was at the same time as our trip to Vegas. There was pouting. But they are keen to go this year. Will and I are happy to let them go alone.
Funny Story: Scott was at home yesterday with the kids as Julie needed the day off for personal reasons. He was laying on the couch reading a BOOK.
Georgia came up to him and exclaimed "Daddy! You are reading a book. I didn't know that you could read. I am so proud of you!"
Two minutes later Olivia came into the room and saw the same thing. "Daddy, you 're reading a chapter book! You know those books don't have any pictures, right?"
October 17, 2009
Tooth Fairy
We had a visit from the Tooth Fairy last night. Olivia lost another tooth.
It was a particularly gruesome sight yesterday afternoon as she had this tooth dangling by a little thread of skin or a nerve. There had been some minor drama at school during lunch but it was resolved.
She didn't want to pull it out. But she did and felt better afterwards.
Olivia wants everyone to know that she is finding things out about the Tooth Fairy. Olivia left a note under her pillow last night asking the Tooth Fairy if s/he was big or small. The return note said "I am small." Olivia is determined to find out more by pulling out more teeth if needed.
Revelations about the Tooth Fairy aside, I am just relieved we can got back to her brushing her teeth normally.
October 15, 2009
Thankful
We had an awesome Thanksgiving. We had all of the Abels and the Friesens for a big feast on Saturday. The Abels stayed through the weekend- so we did another feast on Sunday. Mom and Dad stayed home so that Dad could recuperate from his recent knee surgery. We all thought his recovery would go much faster without 3 little "helpers" jumping on him. (He is doing well.)
On Monday we went to the Pumpkin Patch in Oak Lake with the James family. We all had a great time until it started snowing! (I've got some pictures that I will post tonight.)
We had a great weekend! It was filled with family, friends, too much food and a house that was way too hot.
Obviously, we all have a lot to be thankful for as we are all very fortunate. We have healthy and safe families and friends. We are in no risk of going hungry or un-sheltered. We have warm seasonal clothes. We have good jobs and even if those jobs went away we'd still have good earning potential and marketable skills. There is so much more that I could add to this list!
I just wanted you all to know that we are grateful for all that we have. And that most certainly includes you- whatever family or friend who happens to be reading along.
On Monday we went to the Pumpkin Patch in Oak Lake with the James family. We all had a great time until it started snowing! (I've got some pictures that I will post tonight.)
We had a great weekend! It was filled with family, friends, too much food and a house that was way too hot.
Obviously, we all have a lot to be thankful for as we are all very fortunate. We have healthy and safe families and friends. We are in no risk of going hungry or un-sheltered. We have warm seasonal clothes. We have good jobs and even if those jobs went away we'd still have good earning potential and marketable skills. There is so much more that I could add to this list!
I just wanted you all to know that we are grateful for all that we have. And that most certainly includes you- whatever family or friend who happens to be reading along.
October 7, 2009
Happy Birthday Olivia!
Olivia is 7 years old today! She is 7 going on 13!
Scott drove into Winnipeg on Monday night after work and was bemoaning the fact that he was missing Monday Night Football while he was driving- just like he missed MNF 7 years ago on the night Olivia was born. Somehow the things he remembers most about the night of Monday October 7, 2002- of course aside from becoming a father for the first time- is that Minnesota was playing the Bears. And that he was so occupied that he forgot to get his free pizza from Dominos for fathers in waiting.
I remember the night very clearly. My main moment was the moment just after she was born and I was waiting for the doctor (or Scott) to tell me about the baby. I think that moment goes in sort of slow motion for mothers delivering vaginally. The moment the baby is out is such a huge physical relief but there is a different kind of anxiousness that builds in those scant seconds between the delivery and the announcement.
I remember the doctor telling me it was a girl. And my main thought was "I know." Followed shortly by "Just give her to me already."
Olivia's in-vitro name was Mabel. We had called her a "she" from the very start. It could have gone either way- and I would have loved the baby all the same- but I was so very glad that she was a girl! And that she was healthy and intact and most importantly... alive. I stressed about that and I knew the only way that I could put that feeling to rest was to hold her in my arms and see her with my own eyes.
And finally there she was. Her little skinny body and her enormous head. In all her red headed glory. (Genetics are a weird and random thing.) Ten perfect little fingers and ten perfect little toes. And both Scott and I knew that our lives would never be the same again- in the best possible way. Our hearts grew exponentially that day. The night she was born we though that our hearts could not possibly grow any bigger with love and pride for our new baby girl. What did we know?! We were very new at the parent thing.
And that bring us today... today Olivia is still a red head and has thankfully grown into the size of her head. But she is also infuriatingly smart, funny, caring, brave, self assured, affectionate, polite, a good big sister, a good friend, a talented artist and budding musician, a dedicated student, an enthusiastic reader, a great swimmer and an exceptional daughter. We could not be more proud of that little girl.
Happy Birthday, Baby!
(I'll post some pictures of her a little bit later today.)
Scott drove into Winnipeg on Monday night after work and was bemoaning the fact that he was missing Monday Night Football while he was driving- just like he missed MNF 7 years ago on the night Olivia was born. Somehow the things he remembers most about the night of Monday October 7, 2002- of course aside from becoming a father for the first time- is that Minnesota was playing the Bears. And that he was so occupied that he forgot to get his free pizza from Dominos for fathers in waiting.
I remember the night very clearly. My main moment was the moment just after she was born and I was waiting for the doctor (or Scott) to tell me about the baby. I think that moment goes in sort of slow motion for mothers delivering vaginally. The moment the baby is out is such a huge physical relief but there is a different kind of anxiousness that builds in those scant seconds between the delivery and the announcement.
I remember the doctor telling me it was a girl. And my main thought was "I know." Followed shortly by "Just give her to me already."
Olivia's in-vitro name was Mabel. We had called her a "she" from the very start. It could have gone either way- and I would have loved the baby all the same- but I was so very glad that she was a girl! And that she was healthy and intact and most importantly... alive. I stressed about that and I knew the only way that I could put that feeling to rest was to hold her in my arms and see her with my own eyes.
And finally there she was. Her little skinny body and her enormous head. In all her red headed glory. (Genetics are a weird and random thing.) Ten perfect little fingers and ten perfect little toes. And both Scott and I knew that our lives would never be the same again- in the best possible way. Our hearts grew exponentially that day. The night she was born we though that our hearts could not possibly grow any bigger with love and pride for our new baby girl. What did we know?! We were very new at the parent thing.
And that bring us today... today Olivia is still a red head and has thankfully grown into the size of her head. But she is also infuriatingly smart, funny, caring, brave, self assured, affectionate, polite, a good big sister, a good friend, a talented artist and budding musician, a dedicated student, an enthusiastic reader, a great swimmer and an exceptional daughter. We could not be more proud of that little girl.
Happy Birthday, Baby!
(I'll post some pictures of her a little bit later today.)
October 1, 2009
Uncle Bobby's Wedding
I read Neil Gaiman's blog everyday. He is easily one of my favourite authors.
He included this link for an excellent letter written from a librarian to a concerned parent regarding a book that he did not plan on removing from the shelves.
http://jaslarue.blogspot.com/2008/07/uncle-bobbys-wedding.html
This is an excellent read!
He included this link for an excellent letter written from a librarian to a concerned parent regarding a book that he did not plan on removing from the shelves.
http://jaslarue.blogspot.com/2008/07/uncle-bobbys-wedding.html
This is an excellent read!
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